What causes potential energy that accumulates in a fault to transfer to the surface during an earthquake

Strain energy

Explanation:

Prior to an earthquake, tectonic forces result in a gradual buildup of strain energy stored on either side of the fault. When the local stresses along the fault become too large, the fault slips suddenly or ruptures and releases the stored strain energy.

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the answer is c i just put d and i got it wrong so yeah its d