Most detailed study yet of seismic activity links fault strength to likelihood of large earthquakes

Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, with thousands of small earthquakes occurring each year, and the continuous threat of a "big one." Currently, predicting when major earthquakes will occur isn't possible, but by studying the numerous small earthquakes that occur, seismologists in Japan hope to understand more about the processes in the Earth's crust that lead to major quakes.