Faults

Faults are fractures or cracks in the Earth's crust where rocks on either side have moved relative to each other. They form due to tectonic forces that stretch, compress, or shear the Earth's crust. Faults can vary in size from a few centimeters to hundreds of kilometers and are often associated with earthquakes. Think of them as cracks in a rigid surface that may slip or shift over time, releasing built-up energy when the stress exceeds the strength of the rocks. These movements shape the landscape and are key to understanding seismic activity.