Which mechanism explains how strike-slip faults accommodate tectonic plate movement, but still generate earthquakes?

💡 Explanation

When plates slide past one another in strike-slip motion, elastic strain accumulates along the fault plane because friction prevents continuous, smooth movement, causing stress to build until it overcomes the frictional force; then a sudden release occurs creating seismic waves. Therefore, elastic strain buildup causes earthquakes, rather than magma intrusion, creep, or aseismic subduction which would dissipate energy differently.

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