Why Can't We Predict Earthquakes?
Short Wave
English - February 08, 2023 05:15 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MB - ★★★★★ - 5.7K ratingsLife Sciences Science Astronomy Homepage Download Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
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In the wake of the massive earthquake in Turkey and Syria, many scientists have been saying this area was "overdue" for a major quake. But no one knew just when: No scientist has "ever predicted a major earthquake," the U.S. Geological Survey says. Even the most promising earthquake models can only offer seconds of warning. In this episode, host Emily Kwong talks to geologist Wendy Bohon and NPR science correspondent Geoff Brumfiel about why earthquake prediction can be so difficult, and the science that fuels these models.