elastic rebound theory

Elastic rebound theory explains how earthquakes occur. Tectonic plates push against each other, causing rocks along faults to deform and store elastic energy. When the stress exceeds the rocks’ strength, they suddenly slip or break, releasing this stored energy. This rapid release causes the ground to shake—an earthquake. Afterward, the rocks settle into a new, less stressed position, ready to deform again. In essence, the theory describes how accumulated stress in Earth's crust is periodically released through fault movement, causing seismic activity.