9
QuizMultiple Choice

Success Stories — Cumulative exam

Question 9 • SC332 Environmental Science B

Which of the following best explains why buildings tip during earthquakes?

Answer
A
Seismic waves damage buildings’ foundations.
B
The liquefaction of solid soil undermines buildings’ foundations.
C
Body waves break underground water pipes.
D
Surface faulting moves the ground in different directions.

Explanation

During an earthquake, shaking can cause water-saturated soil to lose strength and behave more like a liquid. This process, called liquefaction, can no longer support a building’s foundation properly, causing the building to sink or tip. Therefore, the best answer is “The liquefaction of solid soil undermines buildings’ foundations.”

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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