An earthquake is caused when two tentonic plates suddenly slip past each other. The sureface where they slip is called the ________

Options

A. tremor plane
B. Fault plane
C. Seismic plane
D. Richter wave

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question states that an earthquake occurs when two tectonic plates suddenly slip past each other. We need to identify the term used for the surface where this slipping occurs.

2. **Identifying Key Terms**: The key terms in the question are "tectonic plates," "slip past each other," and "surface."

3. **Defining the Surface**: The surface where the tectonic plates slip is known as a "fault." This is a geological term that describes a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock.

4. **Understanding the Fault**: The specific type of fault that is often associated with earthquakes is called a "fault plane." This is the flat surface along which the slipping occurs during an earthquake.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is "fault plane."

**Final Answer**: The surface where they slip is called the **fault plane**.

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