The distribution of space distance of successive earthquake epicentres (
S) was studied by three methods shown in Fig. 1-3.
It was found empirically that the distribution of
S obeys the formula
f(
S)=
kS-q where
k and
q are constants.
This distribution has the same form as that of maximum amplitude or time interval of successive earthquakes.
By analogy with the distribution of colloidal particles in a field of force, it is suggested that earthquakes occur in the field of logarithmic stress, which is generated if an infinite plane is subjected to a load at a point.
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