Around 90% of an Earthquake’s Energy Doesn’t Do What You Think It Does

The news article discusses a recent study that provides new insights into the energy dynamics of earthquakes. Researchers used a miniature quake-in-a-lab setup to quantify the energy distribution during an earthquake for the first time. The study found that approximately 90% of an earthquake's energy does not contribute to the shaking of the ground, as commonly believed. Instead, this energy is dissipated through various processes, such as the creation of new fractures and the heating of the surrounding rock. The findings challenge the traditional understanding of earthquake energy, which has primarily focused on the shaking of the ground as the primary driver of damage. The study suggests that the energy dissipation mechanisms during an earthquake are more complex than previously thought, and that this new understanding could have important implications for earthquake risk assessment and mitigation strategies. The research provides a more comprehensive picture of the energy dynamics involved in earthquakes, offering valuable insights for scientists and policymakers working to improve earthquake preparedness and response.