Question

what causes an earthquake?
○ buildup of magma
○ buildup of pressure between tectonic plates
○ extreme rock deformation
○ hard collisions between tectonic plates

Explanation:

Earthquakes are mainly caused by the buildup of pressure between tectonic plates. When the stress exceeds the strength of the rocks along a fault line, the rocks break and release energy in the form of seismic waves, causing an earthquake. Magma buildup is more related to volcanic activity. Extreme rock - deformation can be a result of an earthquake rather than the main cause. Hard collisions are part of the plate - movement process but the key factor is the pressure buildup.

Answer:

buildup of pressure between tectonic plates