Using math formulas to predict earthquakes

[July 13, 2020: Phys.org] A team of researchers at Lyell Centre in Edinburgh, has developed a way to use math formulas to help predict…

[July 13, 2020: Phys.org]

A team of researchers at Lyell Centre in Edinburgh, has developed a way to use math formulas to help predict when an earthquake is likely to happen. In their paper published in Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, the group describes translating the movement of a particular type of rock to mathematical equations, which led to the creation of a predictive formula.

A lot of time and effort has been spent over the past several decades trying to figure out a way to predict when a major earthquake will strike, but to date, such efforts have come up short. In this new effort, the researchers have taken another approach to the problem: using math.

“What we’re discovering is that molecular, carbonaceous residues almost always preserve a microscopic clue within fossils,” said Jasmina Wiemann, a graduate student in the Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences at Yale and first author of the study. “Fossil organic matter is a wild mix of things, based on the chemical degradation products of original biomolecules.” ...MORE



Joseph Shavit
Joseph ShavitSpace, Technology and Medical News Writer
Joseph Shavit is the head science news writer with a passion for communicating complex scientific discoveries to a broad audience. With a strong background in both science, business, product management, media leadership and entrepreneurship, Joseph possesses the unique ability to bridge the gap between business and technology, making intricate scientific concepts accessible and engaging to readers of all backgrounds.