Earthquake Prediction

Earthquake Prediction

Predicting earthquakes would be very helpful, if we only knew how. People are studying this topic all over the world. The trick is to find information that is helpful and useful in your endeavors. 

Here is a suggested way to systematically find what you are looking for, and keep informed of new advancements. 

1. First, start out with an Internet Search. A good search string would be - earthquake-(prediction OR forecast). Begin with a general web search, and then look at the specialties on the search engine sidebar. Most search engines have options, e.g. web, images, videos, etc. Adjust this search string to find what you are looking for.

2. Once you have a good search string for the Internet, use that string to make an Alert. Most search engines have an Alert feature. Alerts notify you of new happenings in your field of interest.

3. Check out your local library web site. They probably have a section on their site that might be called Research. In the Research area, you will find Research Tools, some of which might be called WorldCat and/or EBSCOhost. It is helpful to go through your library site, since your library can often obtain materials for you at no cost. In addition, your library can also answer questions that you might have.

4. Start with WorldCat, which searches all the books that were ever written all over the world. Go to the Basic Search. Paste this search string into the Title search box - earthquake (predict* OR forecast*). The asterisk signifies any truncation, e.g. predict, prediction, predicted, etc. Tailor your search to find what you are looking for. See WorldCat Help below. Your Internet Alert will notify you of any new books written in the future.

5. Next, go to EBSCOhost, which covers magazines, journals, newspapers, etc. I usually select All Databases, since I have a good Internet connection. In the search box, paste this search string - earthquake (predict* OR forecast*). Your Results listing will show if this is an appropriate search string. Use the EBSCOhost Help below, if needed. Again, your Internet Alert will notify you of recent publication activity.

6. Progressing on, go to the WIPO PatentScope, which searches patents and patent applications all over the world. You can access this directly online and do not have to go through a library. In the search box, paste the search string - earthquake (predict* OR forecast*). If you have questions, go to the Help link on PatentScope. Review your results and adjust your string as necessary. Worldwide Patent Alerts are hard to find, especially free. PatentAlert has a free service to notify you of recent U.S. patent activity. 

TAKEAWAY - By doing all this, or even some of it, you will find helpful information on predicting earthquakes, tsunamis, and other earth tremors.

For more information:

• Finding Information on the Internet
• WorldCat - See section on Searching for search help.
• EBSCOhost Help
• WIPO Patent Scope
• PatentAlert  
  

 Disclaimer - Article is for information only and is not advice of any kind.