Seismic Gap

Real World Example

Imagine a crowded highway where traffic suddenly clears up, giving you a smooth ride, but you know from experience that a traffic jam is likely just around the corner due to the usual congestion patterns. This situation is similar to a seismic gap, where an area has been relatively quiet with few earthquakes recently, despite a history of strong seismic activity indicating potential for future quakes. Just as the cleared highway suggests an upcoming jam based on past traffic behavior, a seismic gap signifies a buildup of stress along a fault line, making it likely to release as a future earthquake.