Earthquake hazards map study finds deadly flaws, researcher suggests improvements
Friday, August 31, 2012 - 14:31
in Earth & Climate
(Phys.org)—Three of the largest and deadliest earthquakes in recent history occurred where earthquake hazard maps didn't predict massive quakes. A University of Missouri scientist and his colleagues recently studied the reasons for the maps' failure to forecast these quakes. They also explored ways to improve the maps. Developing better hazard maps and alerting people to their limitations could potentially save lives and money in areas such as the New Madrid, Missouri fault zone.