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Why do scientists think that seismic gaps are areas where future earthquakes are likely to occur?
Wiki User
∙ 6y ago
Most earthquakes occur as a result of "stick-slip" behavior. As two plates move past each other they stick to each other along the fault and build up stress. Eventually the plates slip along part of the fault, releasing that stress as an earthquake. The longer part of a plate goes without an earthquake, the more stress builds up, and the more energy is available for a large earthquake. Scientists think these seismic gaps are areas where the plates have been stuck for a long time and so have built up stress for a very large earthquake.
Wiki User
∙ 6y ago
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What is the theory that sections of active faults that have had few earthquakes are likely to be sites of strong earthquakes in the future called?
it is called the gap hypothesis
What is the difference between gap hypothesis and seismic gap?
Gap Hypothesis is a hypothesis that is based on the idea that a major earthquake is more likely to occur along the part of an active fault, where no earthquakes have occurred for a certain period of time. A Seismic gap is an area along a fault where relatively few earthquakes have occurred recently, but where strong earthquakes have occurred in the past.
What does the gap hypothesis state?
it states that sections of active faults that have had relatively few earthquakes are likely to be the sites of strong earthquakes sometime in the future!!!!!!!
Is there set times when an earthquake occurs?
Not really. Although scientists can atempt to predict when earthquakes are likely to occur with the use of special equipment.
What are 3 facts about earthquakes?
Top 10 Facts About Earthquakes! Earthquakes usually happen on the edge of tectonic plates. ... Earthquakes occur when the plates get stuck but keep trying to move! ... Before an earthquake foreshocks might occur. ... After an earthquake aftershocks are likely to happen. ... The shockwaves that travel through the ground are called seismic waves.
What is the theory that sections of active faults that have had few earthquakes are likely to be sites of strong earthquakes in the future called?
it is called the gap hypothesis
Is japan likely to have a seismic event?
Yes. Earthquakes are a common occurrence in Japan.
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
What reason that strong earthquakes are more likely to happen in seismic gaps?
because pressure builds up in these places
Has St. Louis experienced any volcanism or seismic activity?
St. Louis has likely felt earthquakes from the New Madrid seismic zone, but there is no volcanic activity for hundreds of miles.
Where is earthquakes most likely to occur?
earthquakes are most likely to occur on the rim of tectonic plates
Can Scientists can identify where earthquakes will most likely occur?
They will happen around the edges of tectonic plates.
What is the difference between gap hypothesis and seismic gap?
Gap Hypothesis is a hypothesis that is based on the idea that a major earthquake is more likely to occur along the part of an active fault, where no earthquakes have occurred for a certain period of time. A Seismic gap is an area along a fault where relatively few earthquakes have occurred recently, but where strong earthquakes have occurred in the past.
What does the gap hypothesis state?
it states that sections of active faults that have had relatively few earthquakes are likely to be the sites of strong earthquakes sometime in the future!!!!!!!
What is the definition of gap hypothesis?
A hypothesis that stated that sections of active faults that have had relatively few earthquakes are likely to be the sites of strong earthquakes in the future.
Are scientists likely to cure all diseases in the future?
yes most likely they can but u never know..... =)
What is the original definition of seismic gaps?
The theory predicting the relative size and frequancy of earthquakes in a given area, depending on the size and frequency of other earthquakes that have accured in that area. Example:- areas that have experianced many small earthquakes may not ever be likely to experience a large one, although, areas that with go long periods of time without having an earthquake are quite likely to have a large one.
