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The b-value as an earthquake precursor

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Abstract

A systematic study of b-values in New Zealand has shown that within the vicinity of forthcoming large earthquakes there is initially an increase in b and then a return to normal The Caracas and San Fernando earthquakes show the same phenomenon, which is related to that of seismic gaps.

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Smith, W. The b-value as an earthquake precursor. Nature 289, 136–139 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1038/289136a0

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