Earthquake prediction.

If you were to hazard a guess at when and where the next major earthquake will strike , there's a chance that you'd be almost as accurate as the experts . The science of earthquake prediction is still in its infancy , which in uncomfortable , considering the threat posed to human civilisation . Even with vast resources at their disposal,often the best scientists can do is say that the odds are that an earthquake will strike where one occurred before . One reason the chances of making an accurate prediction are so low is the the nature of the forces involved. It seems to be impossible to tell the difference between a small earthquake and a warning tremor . Scientists need to decide whether to put lives at risk by not issuing a warning, or constantly issue warnings about the threat of an earthquake that may be ignored. In the end , the odds seem to be against us solving this difficult problem any time soon.