TED-Ed: Jean-Baptiste P. Koehl: Why are earthquakes so hard to predict?

The video explores the history and challenges of earthquake prediction, starting with Zhang Hong's ancient device. It explains how tectonic plates cause earthquakes and the difficulties in predicting them due to various geological factors. Modern tools like seismometers, smartphones, and NASA's QuakeSim are discussed, along with the potential of radon-thoron detectors. The video concludes with the future possibilities of predicting and responding to earthquakes more effectively.

What was the primary function of Zhang Hong's invention presented to the Han court?

• To predict weather changes

• To detect and indicate the direction of earthquakes

• To measure the speed of wind

• To calculate the time of day

What are tectonic plates primarily responsible for?

• Causing earthquakes through their movements

• Creating ocean currents

• Generating magnetic fields

• Producing volcanic eruptions

Which factor is NOT mentioned as influencing seismic events?

• Gravitational forces

• Types of rocks

• Friction and temperature

• Wind patterns

How can smartphones contribute to earthquake prediction?

• By sending emergency alerts

• By recording primary seismic waves

• By measuring atmospheric pressure

• By tracking weather patterns

What potential advantage do radon-thoron detectors offer in earthquake prediction?

• They can predict earthquakes months in advance

• They can detect earthquakes in real-time

• They can potentially predict earthquakes a week in advance

• They can measure the magnitude of earthquakes