I\% Which statement bellow best describes an earthyuake? a Qauses large amounts of soil to be moved; changes the shape of rivers; can be caused by heavy rainfall. S Rupture of the Earth's crust can cause leva to flow: can be on land or the ocean floor: C Overfiow of waler from a miver, lake or stream; can be caused by heevy rainfalt: can cause rivers to flow faster. D Usually occurs near faults; shaking of the Earth's surface; can create cracks in the ground.

To determine which statement best describes an earthquake, let's analyze each option: A. **Causes large amounts of soil to be moved; changes the shape of rivers; can be caused by heavy rainfall.** - This statement describes effects that can occur due to various natural events, but it does not specifically define an earthquake. B. **Rupture of the Earth's crust can cause lava to flow; can be on land or the ocean floor.** - This statement describes volcanic activity more than an earthquake. While earthquakes can occur near volcanic activity, they are not defined by lava flow. C. **Overflow of water from a river, lake, or stream; can be caused by heavy rainfall; can cause rivers to flow faster.** - This statement describes flooding, not an earthquake. D. **Usually occurs near faults; shaking of the Earth's surface; can create cracks in the ground.** - This statement accurately describes an earthquake. Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, typically near faults, leading to shaking and potential ground cracks. Based on this analysis, the best statement that describes an earthquake is: **D. Usually occurs near faults; shaking of the Earth's surface; can create cracks in the ground.**