Scientists could, however, predict whether large earthquakes are likely to occur, based on the movement of plates on Earth and the location of fault zones. They can also make general assumptions about when earthquakes might occur in a given area by examining the history of earthquakes in the region and noting where pressure is building along fault lines. For example, if a region has experienced four earthquakes of magnitude 7 or stronger in the last 200 years. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Scientists will calculate the probability of another magnitude 7. earthquake in the next 50 years at 50%. But these predictions may not prove reliable because, when strain is released along one part of the fault system, it may actually increase strain on another part. As a result, most earthquake predictions are good at best. Scientists have been more successful at predicting aftershocks, which are additional earthquakes following an initial earthquake. These predictions are based on extensive research into aftershock patterns. Seismologists can make a good guess about how an earthquake that originates along one fault will cause additional earthquakes in connected faults. No scientific study has proven that animals can reliably predict natural disasters, but if your beagle starts losing it for no apparent reason, be prepared. There's enough anecdotal evidence of creatures going berserk and even fleeing en masse from areas before earthquakes to take unusual animal behavior seriously, like our gallery of earthquake-related dogs. No scientific studies have proven that animals can reliably predict natural disasters, but if your beagle starts losing it for no apparent reason, be prepared. There's enough anecdotal evidence of creatures going berserk and even fleeing en masse from areas before earthquakes to take unusual animal behavior seriously, like our gallery of earthquake-related dogs. Many hours before an earthquake, dogs may begin to act restless and distressed. There has been heated debate among scientists about the ability of dogs and other animals to predict seismic events such as earthquakes or avalanches before they occur. No, and it is unlikely that they will ever be able to predict them. Scientists have tried many different ways to predict earthquakes, but none have been successful. For any particular fault, scientists know there will be another earthquake in the future, but they have no way of predicting when it will happen. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get Custom EssayAn earthquake is also known as (earthquake, tremor and tremor) is the shaking of the surface of the Earth, resulting from the sudden release of energy in the Earth. An earthquake is caused by a fault movement, by seismicity induced by volcanism. The mountains were caused by the Earth. Many mountains were formed due to the collision of the Earth's tectonic plates. The Earth's crust is made up of multiple tectonic plates that still move today due to geological activity beneath the surface.