Ishmail R.

Coleman 11/20/14 Geology in the News 2

Geology in the News #2

Subtle shifts in the Earth could forecast earthquakes, tsunamis

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141117164121.htm

Conducted @ University of South Florida

This article written by Tim Dixon elaborates on new tools and techniques that are being

used in order to forewarn and identify upcoming earthquakes and tsunamis. The author and

researchers from the University of South Florida suggest that shifts in the Earth’s plates have

made it somewhat possible to determine the size of the disaster (earthquakes and tsunamis). Tim

and other scientists attributed these findings in correlation with a geological event called “slow

slip events”, which are silent earthquakes that happen at a subduction zone. By analyzing the

“slow slip events” in correlation with using accurate/high precision GPS to measure shifting fault

lines, scientist state that by observing these shifts can promote better understanding of potential

earthquake size, and potential tsunami events. The researchers suggest that by measuring and

observing these slow-slip events, it can provide forecast of earthquake energy, as well as tsunami

potential. However, the scientist stated that slow slip faults cannot accurately predict when an

earthquake or tsunami will strike, but it can provide crucial information by describing fracture

areas, as well as the enormity and power of future earthquakes and tsunamis. This new

discovery is essential to us because it brings scientist a step closer to pinpointing were an

earthquake/tsunami might actually strike, which is a critical dilemma that we have faced for

many years. This discovery is crucial because it can potentially warn people how powerful a

disaster might be when it strikes and can also provide information as to where the disaster might

strike, in which people can be able to take proper action in order to protect themselves.

Furthermore, this research is essential because it provides information and a greater

Ishmail R. Coleman 11/20/14 Geology in the News 2

understanding about the connection between slip and fault events and earthquakes, which can be

a great help to the seismological community, because it showcases evidence of plate boundary

movement in correlation with big earthquakes.

Citation

University of South Florida (USF Health). "Subtle shifts in the Earth could forecast earthquakes,

tsunamis." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 17 November 2014.

<www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141117164121.htm>.