Earthquakes are some of the most destructive disasters the Earth can produce, but we still know too little about how they form.. Researchers have previously stated that the main danger is that earthquakes are extremely difficult to predict, writes Science Alert.

In a new study led by a team from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, scientists have discovered the details of the preparation for tremors: a slow and steady period of displacement at a well-defined stress point in the earth's crust is the necessary push for giant seismic events.

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According to study co-author, physicist Jay Feinberg, his and his colleagues' results challenge and refine traditional models of rupture dynamics.. Physicists have shown that slow, aseismic processes are a prerequisite for seismic rupture caused by localized stress and geometric constraints.

The results of the study show that for tremors to occur, weak points in the earth's crust must turn into a crack that can suddenly collapse. Previous work by scientists has already shown that the formation of this crack is preceded by a series of slow movements that do not shake or shake the surrounding rocks. However, the details of these processes have previously been based on generalizations, often in two-dimensional space, which may not reveal transitions in the three-dimensional world.

In the new study, scientists focused on understanding the role of this slow aseismic stress in the eventual release of seismic activity.. To do this, the team used experiments and theoretical modeling to study how the process develops.

Scientists have found that one of the components for the occurrence of an earthquake is a rupture, which provides a focus for elastic energy introduced by an external load.. Without cracks there is no opportunity for stress to build up, which in turn means no sudden releases of energy will occur..

The team studied cracks in one, two and three dimensions, as well as the mechanics of small movements in the Earth's crust known as creep.. The team's results show that small, slow-moving, two-dimensional patches of frictional motion are the first steps toward cracking.. After a stage of slow and moderate creep, the sections expand at stress points, resulting in enlargement and expansion to the seismic rupture point.

The researchers note that this new detail actually adds to our knowledge of earthquake evolution and also has important implications.. In fact, this knowledge helps us better understand stress and friction in general, and also provides key information that can help predict future seismic activity.

The study authors also note that the theory could provide a new framework for understanding how and when earthquakes occur..

Previously, Focus wrote that scientists told how powerful the strongest earthquake can be.