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

This movement, known as an aseismic slip, may be a potential pathway toward predicting damaging quakes before they happen, the researchers say.

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

He compared the Cascadia zone with known earthquake areas and told the NRC, “Well, maybe it is aseismic, but another interpretation is, it looks like Chile—which is also aseismic, except for the big ones.”

From Slate • Sep. 15, 2015