Question

1. (true or false) pumping groundwater out of a rock formation containing an active fault could result in a more severe earthquake.

Explanation:

Pumping groundwater can reduce pore - water pressure. In a rock formation with an active fault, the reduction of pore - water pressure (which originally acts as a lubricant and can also affect the stress balance) can change the stress state on the fault. This change can potentially lead to a more severe earthquake as the fault may rupture more suddenly and with greater force due to the altered stress conditions.

Answer:

True