Global Patterns of Earthquake Clustering

The extreme catastrophic nature of earthquakes is known for centuries due to resulted devastation in many of them. The abruptness along with apparent irregularity and infrequency of earthquake occurrences facilitate formation of a common perception that earthquakes are random unpredictable phenomena. However, earthquakes are not random, but rather lacking any obvious principle of organization. Mathematically, the characteristics of such haphazard, apparently chaotic systems are nevertheless predictable up to a certain limit and after substantial averaging. Earthquakes do cluster. They occur as isolated events, swarms, direct cascades of aftershocks, and less evident inverse cascades of foreshocks in advance main shock. The variety of clustering results from various factors and scales of seismic self-organization. Understanding these patterns involves analyzing extensive historical and instrumental seismic data and employing rigorous problem-oriented statistical tools to assess reliable spatial and temporal relations. Despite enormous advances in data collection and modeling, significant gaps still exist in identifying the mechanisms that control earthquake occurrence and translating these findings into practical applications for seismic hazard assessment and risk reduction.



This Research Topic seeks to harness historical seismic data and sophisticated statistical modeling to identify and analyze patterns of earthquake clustering on a global scale. The objective is to enhance our understanding of interdependent seismic processes and address key scientific questions regarding predictability of large earthquakes. By exploring the observable seismic patterns, the Research Topic aims to contribute new valuable ideas that can strengthen global earthquake hazard assessments and risk management strategies.



To gather further insights into global earthquake clustering, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Analysis of historical seismic data to identify clustering patterns

• Development and application of advanced statistical models for earthquake clustering

• Exploration of tectonic processes influencing seismic cluster formation

• Case studies of known earthquake clusters and their implications for risk management

• Modeling the potential impact of clustered earthquakes on infrastructure and communities



We encourage submissions of Original Research, Reviews, and Perspectives that delve into how understanding earthquake clustering can inform predictive capabilities and guide global efforts in seismic risk management.