Scientific First: ‘Slow-Motion’ Earthquakes Captured in Real Time

By David Nield – Science Alert

Slow-motion earthquakes, as you might guess from the name, involve the release of pent-up geological energy over the course of days or weeks rather than minutes – and scientists have now recorded some as they were happening.

These quakes, also known as slow slip earthquakes or just slow earthquakes, are typically too gentle to cause immediate danger. However, they can help scientists predict full-speed earthquakes or tsunamis, which can of course be far more dangerous.