Which outcome occurs when seismic waves encounter unconsolidated sediments overlying bedrock during an earthquake?

💡 Explanation

When seismic waves travel into unconsolidated sediments, shear waves cause loosely packed grains to lose contact, decreasing effective stress and increasing pore water pressure, causing liquefaction. Therefore liquefaction potential is increased, rather than reduced amplitude, shear velocity decrease alone or increased rupture, which require different geological mechanisms.

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