Smaller Earthquakes May Not Predict Larger Ones

Scientists have always banked on utilizing small to moderate earthquakes to possibly estimate where and when the "The Big One" will occur. Most large earthquakes take place where two plates meet together, specifically transverse plates. However, scientists have been studying four large earthquakes that have occured and have realized that depending on how far the plates scrape each year after shocks can last anywhere from 10 to 100 years after the actual event. Because of this, smaller earthquakes may not be the best resource and that GPS equipment will most likely be the better pick.


Classroom Implementation

This article fits perfectly into the seventh grade geology curriculum. Students learn how earthquakes are measured and get the opportunity to study seismograms that come from seismographs. This would be a great reading opportunity to gather information that is recent to the subject.