Which concept involves studying the effects and mechanisms of earthquakes?

Seismology is the branch of science that focuses specifically on the study of earthquakes and the propagation of seismic waves. It encompasses understanding the causes, mechanisms, and effects of earthquakes, as well as monitoring seismic activity to predict potential future events. Seismologists utilize various instruments and methodologies to analyze seismic data, helping to improve safety measures in earthquake-prone areas.

While seismic engineering deals with designing buildings and structures to withstand earthquakes, tectonics focuses on the large-scale processes that shape the Earth’s structure, including the movements of tectonic plates. Geophysics broadly studies the Earth's physical properties, incorporating aspects of seismology but also extending to other areas like magnetism or gravity fields. Therefore, seismology is distinctly centered on the specific phenomena of earthquakes, making it the appropriate choice.