What best describes a rapid change that occurs on Earth over time?

A rapid change on Earth often signifies an event that occurs in a short time frame, significantly altering the landscape or environment. The description of changes to Earth's surface from the effects of an earthquake encapsulates this concept well. Earthquakes can suddenly shift land, create new fractures, and even cause landslides or tsunamis, leading to immediate and noticeable alterations to the Earth's surface.

While slow erosion, the formation of sedimentary layers, and volcanic activity certainly contribute to Earth's geological changes, they do so over extended periods. Erosion typically takes years to reshape landscapes gradually, the formation of sedimentary layers requires a lengthy process of deposition and compaction, and while volcanic activity can lead to significant changes, it often occurs over many years rather than instantaneously. Therefore, the effects of an earthquake exemplify rapid geological change effectively.