# Liquidation Mechanism The liquidation module is a critical component within Tectonic. It is required as a prevention mechanism for bad-debts, by paying off loans that have gone beyond its required [Collateral Factor](https://tectonic.gitbook.io/docs/protocol/money-market-parameters#definitions). This may happen when the collateral decreases in value or the borrowed loan increases in value against each other. When a liquidation event is triggered, the following events take place: 1. Liquidation module will calculate the amount, up to the given asset's [Close Factor](https://tectonic.gitbook.io/docs/protocol/money-market-parameters#definitions), required to bring the loan back to a healthy level (i.e. as per the stipulated Collateral Factor) 2. A corresponding amount will then be taken from the collateral, calculated at the collateral’s current market price minus a liquidation discount, netted off by a liquidation fee 3. After the said loan amount is repaid, the loan account will be considered a healthy account (within the Collateral Ratio), and will be taken off the liquidation module The liquidation discount acts as an incentive for arbitrageurs to step in and reduce the borrower’s exposure, thereby reducing the risk of loan default in the process. The amount of liquidation discount (or penalty for borrowers) depends on the asset used as collateral. This liquidation process is facilitated using the Tectonic’s own price feed (i.e. “oracle”). Anyone can participate as a liquidator for Tectonic, as long as they are in possession of the corresponding collateral assets. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://tectonic.gitbook.io/docs/protocol/liquidation-mechanism.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.