Chapter 26, Problem 17RQ

To determine

The area where most of an earthquake’s damage generally occur.

Answer to Problem 17RQ

Most of an earthquake’s damage generally occurs in pacific rim area encircling the Pacific Ocean.

Explanation of Solution

The earthquake occurs due to the shaking or trembling of the ground happens when rock under the Earth’s surface breaks. During the earthquake, the movement of the ground occurs when rocks inside the Earth pass their elastic limit and break suddenly and experience an elastic rebound.

Most earthquakes are associated with areas where lithospheric plates meet. These lithosphere plates are generally found near the Pacific Ocean, due to which the Pacific Ocean region faces most of the damage that occurred from the effect of the earthquake.

Conclusion:

Therefore, most of an earthquake’s damage generally occurs in pacific rim area encircling the Pacific Ocean.