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Is it scientifically possible to force an earthquake?

I live in Vancouver, BC and we are expected to have a major earthquake sometime in the future. I was thinking, if we were to completely evacuate the area and build a large enough bomb (H-bomb or whatever), could we force the earthquake to occur and release the tension on the tectonic plates thereby potentially saving hundreds or thousands of lives? Please do not question the practical side of this idea. I am well aware of the practical problems. I only want to know if it is scientifically possible.

5 Answers

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  • Will
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Possible, yes. Practical, definitely not.

    The only hope mankind of have to trigger an earth quake would be to trigger a very very large explosive at sufficient depth to cause the tension in the fault to release. Doing this would require us to know what the tension of the fault is so we can place a large enough device to overcome the resistive forces of the fault...which begs the question; If we find a way to measure the tension in the fault, then why not just evacuate when it gets within, say, 5% of critical, rather than try and trigger it to release, ourselves.

  • Apollo
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    Yes! They use H.A.A.R.P. for this: 'High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program'. You can look at their: Ionospheric reflection, European Incoherent Scatter Scientific Association, HIPAS-High Power Auroral Stimulation, Poker Flat Research Range, Sura Ionospheric Heating Facility, SuperDARN, Weather Modification Operations and Research, Nikola Tesla.

    I should think disturbing fault line to create an earthquake would be a bit of a doddle for H.A.A.R.P.

  • 1 decade ago

    No not at this time with our present technology.. Many A bombs and H bombs have been detonated in the past and no earthquakes have happened. Still if detonated in the right place could be possible But i am only speculating.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    At our current scientific state, its a question of how big the bombs have to be. In that case, it might cause more harm than just preparing for the quake and letting it happen...

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  • 1 decade ago

    No. Not possible at all. Period. Full Stop.

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