Which of the following describes the build up and release of stress during an earthquake?
the Modified Mercalli Scale
the elastic rebound theory
the principle of superposition
the travel time difference

B. Elastic Rebound Theory

Explanation:

In geology and geography, the elastic rebound theory explains how energy is released during an earthquake. Most earthquakes are usually as a result of sudden elastic rebound previously stored energy.

The theory was postulated by Harry Fielding Ried. It explains that over time stresses in the earth builds up and at some point, the stress becomes too great that the earth breaks.