Homonym: Fault (Blame)
A "fault" is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock. It occurs when stress on the Earth's crust exceeds the strength of the rocks, causing them to break and move. This movement can lead to earthquakes, as the energy released during the shifting of the rocks can create seismic waves.
Faults are classified into three main types: normal faults, reverse faults, and strike-slip faults. Each type describes the direction of movement along the fault line. Understanding faults is crucial for assessing earthquake risks and for the study of geology and tectonic processes.