G7-Earthquakes – Outward Expression of Earth’s Dynamic Interior-800-900L-05

While the people of San Francisco prepare for their next big quake, which will surely come, scientists race to learn more about Earth. Maybe someday it will be possible to predict when earthquakes will occur. For now, it is not possible. What scientists do know is that earthquakes will continue to happen along active fault zones. Estimates of the sizes of these earthquakes can be made. Perhaps more important is to learn how to best prepare for them when they do come. Because of earthquakes like the one that hit San Francisco in 1989, much has been learned. Engineers are now looking at better ways of building structures that can withstand the next “big one.” Cities will continue to review their building codes and use what they have learned through Science to keep us safe.