Centuries-Long Aftershocks: New Study Reveals Earthquake Impact Endures

A new study suggests that aftershocks can occur decades or even centuries after the original earthquake. Researchers analyzed historical earthquakes in North America and found that nearly a third of modern quakes in the Missouri-Kentucky area were likely aftershocks from an event in 1811-12, while about 16% of recent quakes in the Charleston region are probably aftershocks from a quake in 1886. Recognizing aftershocks is crucial for assessing a region's disaster risk.