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They can and they do. Even I can and I'm not a geologist. I predict an earthquake will happen somewhere along the San Andreas fault sometime in the future. Unless you mean why can't they predict with detailed accuracy? Predictions require models based on past experience which they gain and refine as time goes on. They just don't know everything now but in the future they may.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoAn earthquake is a complex event, involving large structures of rock, and currents of magma underneath the rock, and even when we know that pressure is building up along a particular fault line, we never know exactly how much pressure is required to cause the fault to slip, or when that will happen.
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoThey do know when and where an earthquake will happen, they locate the epicenter of the earthquake by calling different stations around them and circle around the different distances each station had said they felt the earthquake (the p-waves) and give us a 20 or less second warning.And when? Scientist follow the pattern of each earthquake that happens and with that they can start predicting when an earthquake will happen from all the time periods of each earthquake. :) I hope this answered your question
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoSometimes they can if it's by an active fault, or something like that, where it happens often, but most of the time it's unpredictable, because there isn't enough information.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoScientists can predict where earthquakes are most likely to happen, but as for predicting when the few signs we do have are very unreliable or happen just before the earthquake actually hits.
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How do the data from the movements of seismic waves help geologists determine the earthquake risk for an area?
If an area has a strong amount of seismic waves along, or around, you can predict if an area is active for earthquakes
How does mapping faults help predict earthquakes?
Geologists have developed instruments to measure changes in elevation in tilting of the land surface and ground movements along fault
Why do scientist want to be able to predict earthquakes?
Scientists want to be able to predict earthquakes to save peoples lives.
Why is it important for scientist to develop ways to predict earthquakes?
It is important for scientists to develop ways to predict earthquakes. By it they can measure when the next one would be.
What is a researcher studying to predict earthquakes?
Seismologist
Why is it difficult for geologists to make short term predictions about earthquakes?
There is no way for them to predict one.
What two factors help geologists predict an earthquake?
geologist can predict earthquakes by the help of stress along a fault and energy along the fault
What are two things geologists can't predict about earthquakes?
(i)Time frame within which it must occur. (ii)Location where after shocks are likely to occur.
Geologists cannot yet predict earthquakes because?
Earthquakes happen when tectonic plates, which are constantly moving and grinding against each other, create enough force to cause a seismic event. When enough pressure builds up to cause an earthquake is not predictable because we can't accurately measure such buildup.
What is a scientist who measures earthquakes?
Geologists engage in the study of earthquakes.
How does the theory of plate tectonics help geologists predict future geologists predict future geologic events?
it helps by being able to predict what happens by whT HAS HAPPENED B EFOR
If scientist cant predict when earthquakes will happen why do they still studt these natural events?
They can't predict the time or the location of earthquakes. They can provide probable data on expected times and location an earthquake with better assurance than in the past but not exact times or dates.
Can geologists predict exactly where an earthquake will occur?
No.
How do the data from the movements of seismic waves help geologists determine the earthquake risk for an area?
If an area has a strong amount of seismic waves along, or around, you can predict if an area is active for earthquakes
How is seismographic data used?
Seismographs and fault-monitoring devices provide data used to map faults and detect changes along faults. Geologists also use this data to predict earthquakes.
How does mapping faults help predict earthquakes?
Geologists have developed instruments to measure changes in elevation in tilting of the land surface and ground movements along fault
Why do scientist want to be able to predict earthquakes?
Scientists want to be able to predict earthquakes to save peoples lives.
