aseismic

American  

[ey-sahyz-mik, -sahys-] / eɪˈsaɪz mɪk, -ˈsaɪs- /

adjective

Geology.

1. free from earthquakes.

---

aseismic British  

/ eɪˈsaɪzmɪk /

adjective

1. denoting a region free of earthquakes

2. (not in technical use) denoting a region free of all but a few small earthquakes

3. (of buildings, etc) designed to withstand earthquakes

---

Etymology

Origin of aseismic

First recorded in 1880–85; a- ⁶ + seismic

Example Sentences

Fluid injection first reactivates the fault patches through slow, aseismic slip and causing only few and small seismic events, followed by a progressive localization ultimately leading to large induced events.

From Science Daily • Jan. 18, 2024

An aseismic slip is ground movement that occurs without producing seismic waves.

From Scientific American • Jul. 20, 2023

It does mean that aseismic creep could produce higher magnitude earthquakes than previously thought — and the new information will help seismologists tweak their hazard assessments.

From Washington Post • Mar. 6, 2022

These boundaries form aseismic fracture zones, filled with earthquake-free transform faults, to accommodate different rates of spreading occurring at the ridge.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017

So, says Heaton, “they thought it was aseismic, just creeping.”

From Slate • Sep. 15, 2015