No one can predict earthquakes, but we can anticipate them

After devastating earthquakes, it is common to have discussions about earthquake prediction. Earthquake forecasting requires knowing in advance the specific time, location, and magnitude of a future earthquake. Although scientists may not be able to predict earthquakes, we are able to anticipate them. Given the timing, location, and magnitude of past earthquakes, it is abundantly clear that destructive earthquakes are more likely to occur along the boundaries of the tectonic plates that make up Earth’s surface than within those plates. In recent decades, the establishment of a worldwide network of seismic recorders has also facilitated the detection of very small earthquakes and aftershocks – including seismic events too small to be felt by people.

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