= Megathrust earthquake
{wiki}
A <megathrust earthquake> releases accumulated <elastic strain> by slip on a large part of a <subduction zone> plate interface. Between events, a locked region can resist relative plate motion while the surrounding plates deform. Failure lets the interface move rapidly and radiate <seismic waves>.
The rupture's geometry, slip distribution and speed determine the ground motion and deformation. Vertical displacement of the seabed can generate a <tsunami> when it moves a sufficiently large water volume rapidly. Earthquake magnitude alone does not specify that displacement, and a deep or predominantly horizontal rupture can have a different tsunami effect from a shallow one.
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