|
Prediction of
Earthquakes The science of predicting the time, place, and magnitude
of an earthquake is still in its infancy (100). Although some major
earthquakes have been presaged by foreshocks, changes in groundwater and
geothermal activity, and even animal behavior, most major earthquakes have
occurred suddenly and without warning. Nevertheless, the theoretical
possibility of routine earthquake prediction remains, and if everybody was
warned in time and evacuated their buildings, then very few people should be
killed by building collapse. Thus, earthquake prediction certainly holds out
the possibility of highly effective casualty prevention in the future
(101). |