noun
- smaller earthquakes that occur before a larger main earthquake in the same area
Usage: geology; seismology
Examples
- Scientists detected several foreshocks in the days leading up to the major earthquake.
- The foreshocks were too weak to be felt by most people.
- Seismologists study foreshocks to help predict larger earthquakes.
- A series of foreshocks preceded the devastating tremor.
- The monitoring station recorded three foreshocks before the main event.
- Foreshocks can provide valuable warning signs of impending seismic activity.