Fault mechanics

Hi there little one! Fault mechanics is all about understanding how the Earth's outer layer, called the crust, moves and changes over time.

Imagine that the Earth's crust is like a giant jigsaw puzzle, made up of different pieces called tectonic plates. When these plates move against each other, they can create cracks or breaks in the crust, called faults.

So, let's say you have two tectonic plates that are moving towards each other. As they push against each other, the rocks in the crust start to bend and stretch. Eventually, the pressure becomes too much and the rocks break, forming a fault.

The way the rocks break and move along the fault is called fault mechanics. This can create earthquakes, which happen when the rocks suddenly shift and rub against each other along the fault.

Scientists use fault mechanics to understand how earthquakes happen and how we can better predict and prepare for them. It helps us to understand how the Earth's crust is constantly changing and moving, and how this affects our planet.