An earthquake happens when the _______ “snaps” where it breaks suddenlyGroup of answer choicesAsthenosphereLithosphere.SeafloorCrust
Question
An earthquake happens when the _______ “snaps” where it breaks suddenly
Group of answer choices
- Asthenosphere
- Lithosphere
- Seafloor
- Crust
Solution
The correct answer is Lithosphere.
Explanation:
The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, composed of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. Earthquakes primarily occur in this layer due to the movement of tectonic plates. When stress builds up in the lithosphere due to tectonic forces, it can lead to a sudden release of energy when the rocks break or "snap," causing seismic waves—this is what we perceive as an earthquake.
In contrast, the asthenosphere is a semi-fluid layer beneath the lithosphere, which allows the lithosphere to move; the seafloor is part of the lithosphere itself; and the crust is the uppermost layer of the lithosphere. Therefore, the lithosphere is the most appropriate choice here.
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