Identify whether the given statements about an earthquake are correct or incorrect.
Statement 1: When the stress on the edge overcomes the friction, there is an earthquake that releases energy in waves that travel through Earth's crust and causes the shaking that we feel.
Statement 2: An earthquake cannot be identified as a foreshock until after a larger earthquake in the same area occurs.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. Both Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
- Statement 1 is correct. Earthquakes occur when stress on the Earth's crust exceeds the friction holding rocks together, releasing energy that travels as seismic waves, causing the shaking we feel.
- Statement 2 is also correct. A foreshock is defined as a smaller earthquake that precedes a larger one. It is only identified as a foreshock in retrospect, after the larger earthquake has occurred. Thus, both statements accurately describe aspects of earthquakes and their phenomena.