Magnitude-foreshock relationship

The magnitude-foreshock relationship suggests that smaller earthquakes (foreshocks) can sometimes precede a larger earthquake (mainshock) in the same area. Generally, a significant mainshock may be followed by numerous smaller shocks, including potential foreshocks earlier on. While not all large earthquakes have foreshocks, detecting smaller tremors beforehand can sometimes provide clues about an imminent bigger quake. This relationship helps seismologists understand and assess earthquake patterns, but it is not a reliable predictor, as many big earthquakes occur without warning signs.