Chile Earthquake Aftershocks

"Expect 'Large, Vigorous Aftershocks' in Chile, Warns USGS"
FOXNews (February 27, 2010)

"Strong aftershocks can be associated with major temblors, even weeks or years after the main event. But they are primarily felt in the first 24 to 48 hours, and more should be expected.

" 'A large, vigorous aftershock sequence can be expected from this earthquake,' warns the U.S. Geological Survey. There have already been a number of aftershocks to hit Chile since the devastating 8.8 magnitude quake that struck early Saturday, the largest registering at magnitude 6.9, according to the USGS.

"In the 2 1/2 hours following the 90-second quake, the U.S. Geological Survey reported 11 aftershocks, of which five measured 6.0 or above...."


(NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, via FOXNews)

The article's a pretty good backgrounder on the science of earthquakes.

Related post, with list of charities:

• "Quake in Chile, Tsunamis Around the Pacific"
  (February 27, 2010)