GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that occur in the same general area during the days to years following a larger event or “mainshock.” They occur within 1-2 fault lengths away and during the period of time before the background seismicity level has resumed.

Detailed explanation-2: -What is an aftershock? When a relatively large earthquake occurs, a series of smaller earthquakes will follow continuously around the epicenter of the first earthquake. We call this first large earthquake “mainshock” and the subsequent “aftershocks”.

Detailed explanation-3: -This is known as a seismogram. The bigger the quake the larger the size or amplitude of the waves recorded. In general, a magnitude 3 earthquake is about the smallest that one can feel.

Detailed explanation-4: -Is it possible for an aftershock to be as large as the main event? By definition, no. If an earthquake is followed by a more powerful seismic event, it’s automatically redefined as a foreshock. The largest tremor is always classified as the earthquake; everything else is either a foreshock or an aftershock.

Detailed explanation-5: -Most large earthquakes are followed by additional earthquakes, called aftershocks, which make up an aftershock sequence. While most aftershocks are smaller than the mainshock, they can still be damaging or deadly.