Earthquakes are typically classified based on individual characteristics such as magnitude and moment tensor. However, this conventional approach overlooks the recognition of earthquakes as part of an ongoing seismic process. It emphasizes isolated parameters, rather than viewing seismicity as a continuous sequence involving foreshocks, main shocks, and aftershocks. Seismic evolution is a dynamic and ongoing process in which each earthquake represents only a single link in a chain of events. The patterns of these sequences depend on both the characteristics of the main shock and the specific geological features of the Earth’s crust in a given region. While the dynamics of each seismic sequence are unique, they also share common traits within the same geological province. This study proposes a new approach that recognizes each earthquake as part of a broader, continuous phenomenon. It aims to describe not only the main event but also the entire aftershock sequence. Aftershocks represent the dissipation of the imbalance created by the main shock and occur within a geologically constrained area over a certain time period. Recognizing these patterns as characteristic “images” of strong earthquakes provides a new method for identifying and delineating geological provinces. The proposed approach requires normalization of seismic data and the determination of energy dissipation patterns. It offers new insights into the geodynamic evolution of different geological regions.
Kazarian et al. (Mon,) studied this question.