GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -No. Neither the USGS nor any other scientists have ever predicted a major earthquake. We do not know how, and we do not expect to know how any time in the foreseeable future.

Detailed explanation-2: -Why can’t we predict earthquakes? These are dynamic systems, happening miles underground and occurring in slow geological time. So predicting when an earthquake would happen on any fault is not currently possible, and it’s going to be a long time before we can do it.

Detailed explanation-3: -Seismometers allow us to detect and measure earthquakes by converting vibrations due to seismic waves into electrical signals, which we can then display as seismograms on a computer screen. Seismologists study earthquakes and can use this data to determine where and how big a particular earthquake is.

Detailed explanation-4: -No, the occurrence of earthquakes cannot be predicted precisely. Buildings that are constructed in an earthquake prone area should be built in such a way that they can withstand earthquakes.