When do aftershocks become earthquakes?

Question

I keep reading about the damaging aftershocks from the earthquake in Chine. I was wondering how much time needs to pass before these quakes become stand alone. Or are there other factors involved - size, location, etc? Thank you very much.

Answer 1

aftershocks are caused by earthquakes

Answer 2

The earthquakes are caused by the sudden slip of tectonic plate that releases the accumulated stress. The surface edges of the tectonic plates are not very smooth to release all its  energy at one stroke. When the tectonic plates slips it may get struck at another place it may be released after wards.

Nothing is perfectly predictable.Therefore it is better to be cautious until it settle down to its normal position.It may take some times even years together.

Answer 3

Aftershocks are obviously earthquakes just like any other earthquake. It is a scientific definition and I think it can be vague.

Answer 4

Aftershocks are just a product of the original earthquake itself...it's just basically the particular "tectanic plate" which gave way just settling down, it causes tremors after the major movement....those are the aftershocks that are felt after an earthquake.

Answer 5

Aftershocks are earthquakes.

They are called aftershock because they are the smaller EQs that usually follow a larger quake.

The ones occurring recently in China can still be called aftershocks because they are caused by the same tectonic activity that caused the main quake.

Answer 6

When the aftershock has a higher reading then the original Earth quake

Answer 7

when they happen before the earthquake