Which of the following describes the type of deformation experienced by rocks before an earthquake? Which of the following describes the type of deformation experienced by rocks before an earthquake?

a. intermediate deformation

b. slow deformation

c. no deformation

d. fast deformation

Answer: The answer is D. Rocks experience a fast deformation just before an earthquake

Explanation: Energy is usually released in form of seismic waves called earthquake when a rock is shear stressed and breaks with quick brittle deformation

b. slow deformation

Explanation:

The type of deformation that is experienced by the rocks before an earthquake is a slow deformation. This slow deformation is due to some resistance to the slippage movement along the fault lines. This slippage movement is naturally occurring. The slow deformation starts to take place when their is resistance to this slippage movement and as a result of this resistance, elastic strain energy is created. This build up strain causes this slow deformation and eventually leads to an abrupt release of energy in the form of an earthquake.