FAQ - Common Myths about Earthquakes

Q: Can the ground open up during an earthquake?

A: Shallow crevasses can form during earthquake-induced landslides, lateral spreads, or other types of ground failures. Faults, however, do not open up during an earthquake. Movement occurs along the plane of a fault, not perpendicular to it. If faults opened up, no earthquake would occur because there would be no friction to lock them together.

« Previous FAQ | All FAQ's | All FAQ Categories | Next FAQ »