Seismology: Instant Earthquake

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Although he acknowledges that he is "dreaming a little," Geologist Evans is already looking to a practical application of his discovery. By periodically injecting fluids deep into potentially dangerous fault zones, he suggests, scientists may well be able to trigger minor earthquakes. These mild tremors might gradually and safely ease the stresses that build up along the fault, and prevent the sudden release of accumulated energy that results in disastrous earthquakes.