Question

which statement describes earthquakes?
they release energy.
they are caused by reduced stress in rocks.
they begin at the epicenter.
they result from movement on earths surface.

Explanation:

Earthquakes occur when there is a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust. This energy release is due to the movement of tectonic plates. When stress builds up in rocks (not reduced stress), it can cause them to break and move. Earthquakes begin at the focus (hypocenter), not the epicenter (which is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus). Also, earthquakes are caused by movement within the Earth's crust (not just on the surface).

Answer:

They release energy.