How do we know if was an aftershock in Haiti, rather than another earthquake?

Or is there basically no way of telling?

2010-01-20T06:25:44Z

But this one wouldnt have happened if it werent for the previous one, right?

MK62010-01-20T06:23:08Z

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By definition, - it's an aftershock.

Any smaller tremor after the major earthquake.

Richter 8.62010-01-20T06:29:28Z

Yet again - aftershocks ARE earthquakes.

An aftershock is, simply put, a weaker earthquake:

-That follows the primary seismic event
-That occurs along the same fault
-That occurs on the same fault line a distance from the epicenter no greater than the length of the original tectonic rupture

Anonymous2010-01-20T06:29:01Z

All aftershocks are earthquakes, but if the earthquake comes after a stronger earthquake, and it is from the same fault line as the bigger quake, then it is called an aftershock.

Flying Spagetti Monster2010-01-20T06:24:53Z

Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes formed as the crust around the displaced fault plane adjusts to the effects of the main shock.

Anonymous2010-01-20T06:27:27Z

It occurred in the same area as the original quake; this is a familiar pattern associated with major earthquakes. It takes time for things to settle out after a big tectonic plate shift such as the one that recently happened in Haiti.

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