This is with reference to your editorial “Prediction gets tougher “(Oct. 24). I quite agree with your observation on the inadequacy of the “elastic rebound theory” to explain the occurrence of earthquake cycle around the globe. Another school of thought could be based on energy accumulation along the fault lines. The energy input could be due to floods, rains, earthquakes, artificial sources such as underground /under-sea nuclear explosions, dams/ reservoirs, etc. Once a particular fault line gets saturated with energy, a macro level rupture, say, earthquake occurs.
The artificial earthquake studies carried out in Denver, U.S., during the 1960s stand testimony to this. At a place close to the fault lines in Denver, wells of 2 to 3 kilometre depth, when filled with water triggered a series of tremors demonstrating the “energy theory.” The day is not far off when we can get reliable earthquake prediction. By developing appropriate instrumentation, the micro fractures that precede the macro fracture can reliably be monitored, resulting in accurate prediction.
Thangam Chelladurai,
Nagercoil
