Book 12, Question 38
Why Can’t We Predict Exact Quake Times Yet?
Earthquakes start deep underground, where we cannot watch them. Scientists can say how likely a quake is over decades, but not the exact day. Forecasts talk about chances, like the odds of rain.
More fun facts
- Science has not yet found a way to predict exactly when, where and how big an earthquake will be.
- The US Geological Survey says no scientist has ever predicted a major earthquake.
- Scientists can make forecasts, which are like weather odds, about quake chances in an area.
- Saying California will have a quake this year is true but not useful, because small quakes happen there all the time.
- Even if quakes cannot be predicted, people can make them less deadly.
Sources: U.S. Geological Survey, Scientific American, Scientific American
Questions kids ask
What is the difference between a forecast and a prediction?
A forecast gives chances over time, like weather odds. A prediction would say exactly when, where and how big.