What type of ground displacement occurs slowly without accompanying earthquakes, and may be due to tectonic activity?

The correct response identifies fault creep as a type of ground displacement that occurs gradually and can result from tectonic activity. Fault creep refers to the continuous, slow movement along a fault line that does not generate the sudden release of energy typical of earthquakes. This phenomenon is a result of the gradual accumulation of stress along a fault due to the movement of tectonic plates.

In this context, fault creep can significantly impact infrastructure, as the slow nature of the displacement may not produce immediate, noticeable effects, but over time can lead to structural damages.

While slides, subsidence, and earthflow are all types of ground movement, they do not represent the same mechanisms as fault creep. Slides typically involve the rapid movement of material down a slope, often triggered by saturation or destabilization. Subsidence refers to a sinking or settling of the ground, which can be caused by various factors like the extraction of groundwater or compaction of soil, but doesn’t directly involve tectonic faults. Earthflow describes a specific type of soil movement that occurs when water saturates the ground, leading to a downhill flow of material.

Understanding fault creep is crucial in geotechnical and geological assessments, particularly in areas known for active tectonic faults, allowing for better risk management in construction