Can an earthquake's aftershock be bigger than the initial shake?

Answer 1

By definition, an aftershock is always of lesser magnitude.

Answer 2

I am not sure but I wouldn't think so. I think of an earthquake as you would think of a rock dropped into a pond. Big splash at first and all the other ripples are the smaller aftershocks. Not backed up by scientific knowledge, just my own assessment and observation.

Answer 3

Earth quake is caused by the slip of tectonic plates due to the increased accumulated stress. Since the surface of the tectonic plates are uneven the plates may move first slightly then it may slip heavily or it can be vice versa. It all depends upon the amount of accumulated stress and the shape of tectonic boundary.Therefore if you sense small earthquake you should be prepared for major earthquake if the accumulated energy at that point is more than what was released. close observation by the seismologist can predict to certain extend Please visit my sites to know better about earthquakes and Tsunami.
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Answer 4

Yes...case in point The Big Bear-Landers quake...The BigBear quake had a slightly bigger aftershock....some people believed the prior was a foreshock.

Answer 5

There are possibilities that after shock being much more stronger than that of the intial ones.

Answer 6

if they are under the quake magnitude...yes
if they are more than the initial quake they call it another quake

Answer 7

that's the word on the street.

Answer 8

yes, but it's rare.

Answer 9

its possible yeah