Chapter 16, Problem 1MC

A crack in the earth’s crust along which movement has taken place is called

1. a. a fault
2. b. a fold
3. c. an earthquake
4. d. a moraine

To determine

To name: A crack in the Earth’s crust along which the movement has taken place.

Answer to Problem 1MC

Option (a) “a fault”

Explanation of Solution

Given Info:

A crack in the Earth’s crust along which the movement has taken place.

The Earth’s layer possesses the elastic properties, but when the overload exceeds its elastic limit, it ruptures releasing a high amount of energy.

Conclusion:

A fault usually represents the movement or displacement of the crustal plates. Hence, option (a) is correct.

A fold defines a crustal deformation or curvature caused because of the compressional stress. Thus, option (b) is incorrect.

The abrupt movement caused due to the slippage of rock blocks below the Earth’s crust along the faults will release a huge amount of energy that is experienced by the Earth in the form of weak to strong tremors. Such tremors experienced by the Earth are called earthquakes. Therefore, option (c) is incorrect.

A moraine may be defined as any accumulation of loose materials dropped by the glaciers to form layers or ridges during a past glaciation and an ongoing glaciation. Thus, option (d) is incorrect.