What is the difference between Earthquake and Aftershock?

Asked by Marlon , Last updated: Mar 27, 2024

+ Answer

Request

0
Follow

Share

Answer Anonymously
Answer Later

Copy Link

5 Answers

E. Reyes, Builder, graduate, Birmingham

Answered Dec 03, 2020

Earthquakes occur because of the seismic waves arising from the earth's crust from an abrupt burst of energy. Earthquakes can occur on the land and offshore. When this happens, the ground is shifting. Property is most likely damaged because of this. Earthquakes can also cause volcanic activity and landslides, and often the seabed becomes displaced.

On the other hand, the first seismic wave created from the epicenter is the mainshock. The shocks that occur after the mainshock that is of lower magnitude are called aftershock. The mainshock and aftershock are always in the same area, but the magnitudes are different aftershocks typically not as frightening and forceful as earthquakes.

Steinn , Corporate employee, Graz

Answered Nov 27, 2020

An earthquake is known to be the main shock that can be experienced when the fault line ruptures. An earthquake may come in different strengths. The higher the strength of the earthquake, the more problematic it will be not only for the people but also for the buildings that will be directly on the fault line. An aftershock is considered to be a smaller earthquake. This would usually occur after the bigger earthquake has already occurred. Take note that the more recent the earthquake is, the more frequent the aftershocks are going to be. Earthquakes are also considered to be deadly because they normally come in different foreshocks. People will not know how many earthquakes they are going to experience in a specific amount of time.

N. Kingsley, Writer, Columbus

Answered Aug 06, 2020

Earthquakes and aftershocks are tremors that occur due to the discharge of energy from the crust of the earth. The main thing that distinguishes an earthquake from an aftershock is the magnitude of the quake arising from the same epicenter. Natural or human reasons can trigger earthquakes, any seismic activity is deemed an earthquake when it creates seismic waves, and earthquakes are set off by natural or human reasons.

Many events may incite an earthquake, such as landslides, volcanic activity, and causes such as mine blasts or nuclear tests. The main shock and the aftershock occur in the same region with different magnitudes. The first seismic wave produced from the epicenter is of the highest magnitude is considered the mainshock, while the shocks that occur after the mainshock that are of lower magnitude are called aftershocks.

Aftershocks take place as the crust of the earth adapts itself to the displaced plane. They occur away from the fault plane in a distance which is equal to the length of the break.

W. Kaye, Ex-Marine, Post Graduate, Chapel Hill

Answered Aug 04, 2020

The main difference between an earthquake and an aftershock is how intense the movement of the earth is going to be. When you say an earthquake, this means that the intensity of the movement is going to be strong. There are some that are so strong that they are already enough to make a lot of buildings collapse.

It can lead to lost properties and lost lives. Aftershocks can also be strong sometimes but they are not usually as strong as the original earthquake. The initial earthquake will always have the biggest power or the greatest magnitude as compared to the subsequent aftershocks.

O.Olivia

Answered Jul 31, 2020

Earthquakes and aftershocks are tremors that shake the ground, which is felt in the area of the quake. Earthquakes are the main shock that occurs, while aftershocks happen after the mainshock. When an earthquake happens, it is rapture in the fault. On the contrary, aftershocks happen away from the plane area. An earthquake happens when there is displacement in the ground. Aftershocks are the Earth's crust attempt to adjust itself out. Though it occurs after the earthquake, an aftershock can be just as dangerous as the mainshock. It is a natural disaster that can lead to buildings damaged and lives being taken.