What properties of Earth make accurate predictions of an earthquake difficult?

Question

Just wondering...

Answer 1

“Earthquake prediction” in the popular language is consonant with short-term prediction. Scientists are sure about where earthquakes will occur, and a general time span. For example, I live in San Francisco, and we know that sometime in the next 30 years, there's going to be a big one.

At the present time, optimism is rather low about the prospects for short-term prediction, because of its local nature: one would have to be fortunate to have instruments within short range of the future focus of a strong earthquake.

Research into anomalies in the ratio of P- to S-wave velocities, magnetic fields, resistivity, tilt, emission of noble gases, and so on are no longer at the leading edge of contemporary interest.

Answer 2

An earthquake results when accumulated stresses are released due to the breaking of regions of the crust which had been resisting the movement along joints in tectonic plates. The movement could take the form of one plate being dragged beneath another or two plates sliding against each other. Since we don't know the physical dimensions of the locked areas, which are hidden well below the surface, we cannot calculate how much stress must accumulate before they break. As the breaking point approaches, deformation in the locked area may accelerate enough to cause measurable change in elevations at the surface, but larger locked areas can produce more surface deformation before failing than can smaller locked areas. This all results in a lot of unpredictability about the timing of these failures.

Answer 3

In theory, it can be done if we knew the composition and stress maps and thermal profile as well as thermal sources. But we don't know all of this in great detail. The problem is that the earth is not uniform and homogeneous.

An earlier answer provides a more practical approach to earthquake prediction -- listening to seismic activity. When you stress rock, it makes noises right before it fractures.

Answer 4

We do not know what exact stress accumulated it the fault line. We do not know the correct strength of the tectonic plate at that place. We do not know what are all the forces acting on the tectonic plates. If every thing is predicted nature may not help us for the correct prediction. That is why when the scientist all over the world working on reliable prediction method I am working on reliable early warning instrument. That has helped me to issue the warning in several occasions including on the day of Tsunami.

Answer 5

when there is a earthquake the ground starts shaking and no person can be able to move straight but side to side.

Answer 6

it's not difficult when people look at the fault lines and do their jobs

Answer 7

yo mamam

Answer 8

I DON'T KNOW