Earthquake prediction From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Seismic hazard map of the San Francisco Bay Area, showing the probability of a major earthquake occurring by 2032. An earthquake prediction is a prediction that an earthquake in a specific magnitude range will occur in a specific region and time window. Seismologists are not currently able to predict earthquakes with such accuracy, though the early results of the Demeter satellite suggest that this could become possible[1]; instead they focus on calculating the seismic hazards of a region by estimating the probabilities that a given earthquake or suite of earthquakes will occur. Description Richter Magnitudes Earthquake Effects Frequency of Occurrence Micro Less than 2.0 Microearthquakes, not felt. About 8,000 per day Very minor 2.0-2.9 Generally not felt, but recorded. About 1,000 per day Minor 3.0-3.9 Often felt, but rarely causes damage. 49,000 per year (est.) Light 4.0-4.9 Noticeable shaking of indoor items, rattling noises. Significant damage unlikely. 6,200 per year (est.) Moderate 5.0-5.9 Can cause major damage to poorly constructed buildings over small regions. At most slight damage to well-designed buildings. 800 per year Strong 6.0-6.9 Can be destructive in areas up to about 100 miles across in populated areas. 120 per year Major 7.0-7.9 Can cause serious damage over larger areas. 18 per year Great 8.0-8.9 Can cause serious damage in areas several hundred miles across. 1 per year Rarely, great 9.0 or greater Devastating in areas several thousand miles across. 1 per 20 years Quick access to this site www.quakeprediction.com