Quake Aftershocks Hit China

Update #2 – China Quake

A Cluster of 28 Aftershocks Strike Eastern Sichuan, China

According to USGS, a cluster of 22 aftershocks measuring 4.8 and 6.0 in magnitude have struck the EASTERN SICHUAN region, China, in the 18-hour period since the mainshock devastated several townships in the region.

Bigger earthquakes have more and larger aftershocks. The bigger the main shock the bigger the largest aftershock will be, on average. The difference in magnitude between the main shock and largest aftershock ranges from 0.1 to 3 or more, but averages 1.2 (a M5.5 aftershock to a M6.7 main shock for example). There are more small aftershocks than large ones. Aftershocks of all magnitudes decrease at the same rate, but because the large aftershocks are already less frequent, the decay can be noticed more quickly. Large aftershocks can occur months or even years after the main shock. (Source: USGS)

A rescuer searches for victims after an earthquake in Chongqing municipality, May 12, 2008. REUTERS/Stringer. Image may be subject to copyright. See FEWW Fair Use Notice.

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