What makes earthquakes happen so suddenly?

Question

So need help in my understanding here. My knowledge is earthquakes are caused by the tectonic plates rubbing together/pulling apart. And that the plates move very slowly.

If it is caused by slow and steady movement of the tectonic plates. What is it that is happening that causes all that energy to be released suddenly and causing an earthquake? Is it simply that part of the plate breaks causing alot of movement suddenly or is there something else in play?

Thanks

In: 3

Answer 1

So basically, when the tectonic plates move, they can get stuck and build up a lot of pressure. Once that pressure becomes too much, it causes the plates to suddenly shift and release a ton of energy, which is what causes an earthquake.