seismicity

American  

[sahyz-mis-i-tee, sahys-] / saɪzˈmɪs ɪ ti, saɪs- /

noun

seismicities plural

1. the frequency, intensity, and distribution of earthquakes in a given area.

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seismicity British  

/ saɪzˈmɪsɪtɪ /

noun

1. seismic activity; the phenomenon of earthquake activity or the occurrence of artificially produced earth tremors

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seismicity Scientific  

/ sīz-mĭs′ĭ-tē /

1. The frequency or magnitude of earthquake activity in a given area. Global seismicity maps show that the regions where seismicity is the highest correspond with the edges of the tectonic plates.

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Etymology

Origin of seismicity

First recorded in 1900–05; seismic + -ity

Example Sentences

Researchers have made the ground shake in southern Switzerland, triggering thousands of tiny earthquakes in a monitored setting, as they seek to discover seismicity insights that could reduce risks.

From Barron's • May 11, 2026

At this point, “we’re not at the high rate of seismicity that we saw before 2015,” Chadwick said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2025

She says this "swarm-like behaviour" means that when a more significant earthquake strikes, for example a magnitude four, the "seismicity is increased for one to two hours, and then the system relaxes again".

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2025

“If it had a return to a lot of seismicity, like we saw in 2004, with gas release and ground deformation, that would be the kind of scenario that might lead to evacuation.”

From Seattle Times • May 18, 2024

“I’d been measuring the mountain for weeks. We thought increased swelling and seismicity would herald a big event,” said Swanson.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone