A fault is a crack or fracture in the Earth’s crust that occurs due to the release of accumulated energy. When the tectonic plates that form the Earth’s surface move, they can slide past each other or collide, creating a fault.
These ruptures can be visible on the Earth’s surface or located beneath it.
When the accumulated tension in a fault is suddenly released, an earthquake occurs. Faults are a natural and common part of Earth’s dynamics and can have a significant impact on the geology and topography of a region.
