A Fault Zone That Is Known for a Lot of Big

question 45

Essay

A fault zone that is known for a lot of big and small earthquakes goes suddenly quiet for 10 years. This quiet period in an otherwise active fault zone is called a seismic gap. Explain why seismic gaps are pretty good indicators that an area may soon have a moderate or large earthquake.

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Definitions:

Cortisol

A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, involved in the body's stress response as well as metabolism and immune function.

Gastrin

A hormone that stimulates the secretion of gastric acid by the stomach's parietal cells.

Somatotropin

Also known as growth hormone (GH), it is a peptide hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration in humans and other animals.

Hypersecretion

The excessive production and release of a substance by a gland.