Question

The phase during which the stored elastic energy is released is __________

(a) Preparatory phase

(b) Rupture phase

(c) Post failure phase

(d) Tertiary phase

The question was asked in my homework.

My doubt stems from Causes of Earthquakes topic in section Earthquakes of Engineering Geology

Answer 1

Right choice is (b) Rupture phase

For explanation I would say: The rupture phase takes place along the fault and all or part the stored elastic energy is released as seismic waves and also transformed into heat or potential energy. Main shock is the characteristic of this phase.