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Contents of 11.7 How do earthquakes relate to rock deformation?

11.7 How do earthquakes relate to rock deformation?

• Foreshocks, mainshock, aftershocks
• Foreshocks are a (or groups of) small displacement(s) that occur prior to the main shock.
• Mainshock is the "main event," the large release of energy along the stressed system.
• Aftershocks are small displacements that occur after the mainshock. Often these occur by the hundreds, which while usually weak, often hamper relief efforts.
• Foreshocks are not useful indicators in predicting earthquakes as there is no way to tell a foreshock (as a portent of impending rupture) from a lone, small earthquake.