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← GeographyWhich outcome occurs when increased pore water pressure?
A)Decreased effective stress and earthquakes✓
B)Increased fault zone cohesion strength
C)Enhanced metamorphic rock recrystallization
D)Reduced volcanic ash cloud formation
💡 Explanation
A reduction in effective normal stress on fault planes causes failure during earthquakes, linked to the principle of effective stress reduction. This occurs because the increased pore water pressure counteracts the clamping force; therefore, it lowers the frictional resistance, rather than increasing fault stability.
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