How does movement along faults generate earthquakes?

Movement along faults generates earthquakes when accumulated stress in the Earth's crust exceeds the strength of the rocks, causing them to break and slip suddenly. This release of energy propagates as seismic waves, resulting in ground shaking. The point where the slip initiates is called the focus, while the point directly above it on the surface is the epicenter. The intensity and impact of the earthquake depend on the amount of energy released and the depth at which the fault movement occurs.