A seismologist uses AI to analyze aftershocks, finding that their frequency decreases exponentially by 20% per day after a main quake. If 120 aftershocks occur on day 1, how many occur on day 3?

Wed, 06 May 2026 20:03:48 +0000

### A Seismologist Uses AI to Analyze Aftershocks—Why Their Frequency Fades Exponentially By 20% Daily After a major earthquake, the world often watches in real time as aftershocks ripple through fault lines, offering clues about the stress released beneath the surface. For seismologists, understanding these patterns isn’t just scientific curiosity—it’s critical for forecasting, urban planning, and building safer communities. Advances in artificial intelligence are transforming this analysis, enabling faster, deeper insights into aftershock behavior. One key insight: the number of aftershocks declines sharply over time, following a clear exponential pattern—specifically, a 20% drop each day after the initial quake. With 120 aftershocks recorded on day one, what does that mean for the count on day three? And how does this natural decay pattern reflect both human resilience and geophysical logic? --- ### Why AI Is Reshaping How We Track Aftershocks—and What People Are Noticing