Is it Possible to Predict Earthquakes? Scientists Look for Ways to Detect Early Warnings

Researchers and scientists have been studying ways to detect early signs of earthquakes using machine learning, artificial intelligence and changes in water vapor.

Detecting early signsof an earthquake can help communities and countries brace and prepare for possible impact. But it won't be easy

Earthquake in Syria and Turkey

(Photo : by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)
Kahramanmaras on February 14, 2023. Is it Possible to Predict Earthquakes? Scientists Look for Ways to Detect Early Warnings

The devastating earthquake in Syria and Turkey left widespread damage to properties and lives. Scientists globally have been finding ways to detect early signs of an earthquake.

An earthquake can cause widespread damage to countries in an instant. The recent 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Syria and Turkey shows how deadly it can unfold.

According to Reuters' latest report, about nine people were recently rescued from a collapsed rubble in Turkey. International communities have been helping with rescue efforts amidst the challenging cold conditions.

Reuters reported that the death toll reached 41,000. Turkey recorded 35,418 deaths, while Syria had 5,800 casualties.

How possible to detect earthquake's early warnings

Unlike other natural disasters, earthquake is difficult to detect or nearly impossible. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) explained that it is impossible to predict a major earthquake.

USGS added that three essential elements are present for earthquake prediction:

• Magnitude
• Location
• Date and time

According to the latest BBC report, the complexity of possible fault systems and seismic noise would add more difficulty for geologists to predict earthquakes.

However, scientists and geologists have been on the quest to unveil helpful tools or methods to help predict earthquakes.

As of now, earthquake agencies can provide risk assessments for countries to become earthquake-proof. Geologists and earthquake agencies have also assessed for significant earthquakes in specific time frames.

Animals' behavior

According to USGS, the animals during 373 B.C. in Greece showed complex and unusual behavior before an earthquake struck. However, animals' behavior in predicting earthquakes is unreliable, as many factors are involved in wildlife's behavior.

Artificial intelligence

The growing contribution of technology has been remarkable. According to BBC and research published in Advancing Earth Science, the use of machine learning can be helpful for systematic changes in seismic data.

The  algorithms from artificial intelligence (A.I.) have been an important field of study for scientists detecting earthquake and fault systems.

In Israel, a new study published in MDPI showed that remote sensing technology reached an 83% accuracy rate in predicting earthquakes.

Water vapor changes

In Japan, BBC also reported that researchers looked into the water vapor changes to predict a possible earthquake.

According to the research published in Scientific Research, the study said that water vapor could play a significant role in prediction accuracy for earthquakes. The researchers also added that the prediction rate reached 80.8%.

Although there are global efforts to help detect an earthquake, none have accurately located the date, time and location.

Weather agencies and machine learning researchers contribute to risk assessment regarding possible damages or impacts.

Ultimately, the commitment of countries and communities to disaster preparedness is also crucial to prevent heavy damage and deaths from earthquakes.

Nature World News also prepared how communities and homeowners can prepare for possible earthquakes. Read here.

Related Article: Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 21,000 in Turkey, Syria; U.S. to Provide $85M Emergency Relief Assistance

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