Why are earthquakes so hard to predict

What did Zhang Heng present to the Han court as his invention?

• A map of the kingdom

• A vase that detects earthquakes

• A device for measuring temperature

• A tool for predicting weather

How did the court initially react to Zhang Heng's invention?

• They were amazed by its accuracy.

• They were skeptical.

• They were immediately grateful.

• They didn't pay attention to it.

What caused the court's skepticism to turn into gratitude?

• The device detected an earthquake.

• The device malfunctioned.

• Messengers came for help.

• The court received positive feedback from other kingdoms.

What is the main challenge in predicting earthquakes?

• The lack of advanced technology

• The complexity of hidden variables

• The unpredictability of tectonic plates

• The difficulty in measuring seismic waves

What are tectonic plates?

• Massive rock slabs floating on the Earth's crust

• Layers of soil on the Earth's surface

• The core of the Earth

• Rocks found in fault lines

Which of the following factors can influence seismic events?

• Friction and high temperatures

• Varying gravitational forces

• Currents of hot rocks in the mantle

• All of the above

How do some rocks reduce fault line friction?

• They release superheated mineral fluids.

• They become stronger under pressure.

• They undergo partial melting.

• They remain dry and prone to pressure build-ups.

What is one limitation of using smartphones for earthquake prediction?

• They are not capable of recording primary seismic waves.

• They cannot provide advance notice for safety protocols.

• They require a network of phones around the globe.

• They are not accurate enough to detect seismic shifts.

What did recent studies reveal as potential signs of an impending earthquake?

• High concentrations of radon and thoron

• Unusual weather patterns

• Changes in the Earth's magnetic field

• Increased volcanic activity

What is the promise of looking deeper into the Earth for earthquake prediction?

• Real-time tracking and prediction

• Accurate identification of high-risk areas

• Saving tens of thousands of lives annually

• All of the above