Energy is released during an earthquake by a process most similar to which of the following analogies?

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The question asks us to identify which analogy most closely mirrors how energy is released during an earthquake.
Option 1: 'a bomb explosion' – This suggests an abrupt, rapid release of energy from a chemical source, which is not the primary mechanism in earthquakes. Earthquakes involve the release of stored elastic strain energy in rocks, not the rapid chemical reaction of a bomb, so this analogy overemphasizes a different energy source and release process.
Option 2: 'a rubber band snapping' – This captures the essence of elastic rebound: rocks deform and store elastic energy as stress accumulates along faults, and when the strength is exceeded, the energy is released suddenly as seismic waves, much like a rubber band that has been stretched and then breaks or snaps back, releasing its stored energy.
Option 3: 'a car crash' – While a car crash involves rapid energy transfer and dissipation, it does not specifically illustrate the release of stored elastic energy in rocks; it’s more about kinetic energy and deformation of objects, making it a less accurate metaphor for earthquake mechanics.
Option 4: 'the wind' – Wind involves moving air and associated energy, not stored elastic strain in rocks. It does not reflect the abrupt release of energy from a stressed rock body, so this option is not an apt analogy for earthquakes.

GEO 1030-090 Fall 2025 GEO 1030-090 Final Exam

Energy is released during an earthquake by a process most similar to which of the following analogies?

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