geological fault
Crustal stress break
A geological fault is a fracture in the Earth's crust where rock masses have shifted relative to each other.
Faults occur when tectonic stress exceeds rock strength, causing blocks to slide vertically, horizontally, or at angles.
Major faults like the San Andreas mark boundaries between tectonic plates.
Earthquakes typically originate along fault lines when accumulated stress releases suddenly.
- plate tectonicsEarth's crust mobility theory
- San AndreasCalifornia fault zone
- seismic activityUnderground geological movement
- rift valleysFault-bounded crustal depressions
- mountain buildingGeological uplift process
earthquake · tectonic movement · earth movement · stress fracture · subduction zones · graben · continental drift · horst · displacement · aftershock · lithosphere
tectonic stability
geological faultstable platform
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