noun
- a minor earthquake that occurs before a larger earthquake in the same area
Usage: geology
Examples
- Scientists detected several foreshocks before the major earthquake hit.
- The foreshock was barely noticeable but warned of the larger tremor to come.
- Seismologists study foreshocks to better predict major earthquakes.
- A magnitude 3.2 foreshock preceded the devastating 7.1 earthquake.
- The foreshock occurred two days before the main seismic event.
- Residents felt the foreshock but didn’t realize it was a warning sign.