Earthquakes occur because of _____.

plate tectonics
cracks in the crust
landslides
volcanoes

plate tectonics

PLATE TECTONICS

The correct answer is plate tectonics. Earthquakes are primarily caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. The Earth's crust is divided into several large plates that are constantly moving. These movements occur due to the flow of molten rock in the Earth's mantle. When the edges of these plates interact and get stuck, stress builds up along the boundary. Eventually, the stress becomes too great, causing the plates to suddenly slip or break free, releasing energy in the form of seismic waves, which we perceive as an earthquake.

To get this answer, you could have also eliminated the other options one by one:

1. Cracks in the crust: While cracks in the crust can contribute to the formation of earthquakes, they are not the main cause. Cracks, known as faults, are a result of tectonic plate movement rather than the cause of earthquakes themselves.

2. Landslides: Although landslides can be triggered by seismic activity and may sometimes result in secondary shaking, they are not the direct cause of earthquakes. The movement of tectonic plates is the primary cause.

3. Volcanoes: Volcanic activity and earthquakes often occur in the same regions, but it is important to note that not all earthquakes are caused by volcanoes. Volcanic earthquakes are specific to volcanic activity and are generally related to the movement of magma beneath the Earth's surface.

Therefore, by considering the options and eliminating them one by one, you can determine that earthquakes occur primarily due to plate tectonics.