Understanding What a Fault Line Is
A fault line is a crack in Earth’s crust where two blocks of rock move past each other. These movements build up stress and can cause earthquakes.
How Fault Lines Form
Faults appear where tectonic plates collide, pull apart, or slide past one another. The crust cannot bend smoothly, so it breaks into fault lines.
Main Types of Fault Lines
Strike-slip faults: Plates slide horizontally, like the San Andreas Fault.
Normal faults: One block drops as the crust pulls apart.
Reverse faults: One block is pushed upward when the crust is squeezed.
Why Fault Lines Matter
Most earthquakes occur along fault lines. The sudden release of built-up energy sends seismic waves that shake the ground.
Where Fault Lines Are Found
They exist on every continent and beneath the ocean. Some are small and harmless, while others form major boundaries between tectonic plates.
How Scientists Study Fault Lines
Geologists use GPS, seismic sensors, and satellite data to track plate movement and better understand earthquake risks.
The Simple Takeaway
A fault line is a fracture in Earth’s crust where rocks move. These movements shape mountains, trigger earthquakes, and constantly reshape the planet.