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Harold Tobin, Professor of Seismology and Geohazards, University of Washington

Seismologists can't predict an impending earthquake, but longer term forecasts and brief warnings after one starts are possible

Seismologists monitor the Earth's activity, but can't predict a day, time and place for the next 'big one.' Christian Miranda/AFP via Getty Images

Almost like aftershocks, questions about earthquake prediction tend to follow disasters like the Feb. 6, 2023, Turkey-Syria quake. Could advance notice have prevented some of the devastation? Unfortunately, useful predictions are still in the realm of science fiction.

University of Washington professor of seismology and geohazards Harold Tobin heads the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network. He explains the differences between predicting and forecasting earthquakes, as well as early warning systems that are currently in place in some areas.

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