Strain Types
By Earthquake Hazards Program
2021 (approx.)
![Three diagrams showing the different types of strain starting with a straight rectangular prism. "Brittle Strain" is showing as the prism breaking. "Ductile Strain" is shown as the prism bending in one spot and nearing an L shape. "Elastic Strain" is shown as slight bending in two spots in opposite directions nearing a slight S shape.](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/media/images/strain%20types.gif?itok=0ifxjSDM)
Detailed Description
Strain is the small changes in length and volume associated with deformation of the earth by tectonic stresses or by the passage of seismic waves.