Hi Penny,

I believe the quake you were referencing in the Azores was a result of Far Field Aftershock triggering. It's a theory created by Dr. Lowell Whiteside whom most of us hold closely here as a good friend. Though the linked map isn't exactly IT, it bares resemblance to the correct map. If you will follow the 103° and 140° black lines that will tell you part of how it works, though it is much more complex than I could explain.

It requires large end earthquakes of 7.0 or greater to trigger an earthquake at a given location for which the fault would have already been in a condition for failure. So if you look at the map and imagine 5° on either side of the 103° & 140° lines, you'll see a lot of what may be expected in short term future earthquakes.

It is interesting to go back to some of the past quakes and have a look at the activity. Indonesia's 9.3 was opposite to the antipoidal of Equador and there was a volley of quakes going back and forth for a long time a point of interest. For me personally, I have learned that quakes in the Mariana Islands are what sends the energy my way, so I do tend to pay attention when that happens.

It takes time to learn it and understand it, but it is always interesting to think about.

Like I said, I'm not very good at explaining the exact details; but this hopefully will give you enough information that you can watch for yourself and form your own opinion.

Petra

• NEIC P-103 Map