Researchers in the United States have developed a new technique to identify regions where powerful earthquakes might occur. This method focuses on mapping parts of the Earth's crust where tectonic plates are stuck or locked, creating tension that can eventually lead to an earthquake. Published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters in July 2026, the method uses highly accurate GPS data to detect tiny ground deformations. These measurements help scientists estimate where the space between tectonic plates is under the most stress. The technique was tested on the Kamtchatka subduction zone in Russia, where it successfully identified a locked area that matched the location of a major 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck off Kamtchatka’s coast on July 29, 2025. In 2026, earthquakes of magnitude 7 or higher were recorded in several countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, Colombia, Venezuela, and the Tonga archipelago. These events highlight the ongoing risk posed by seismic activity worldwide. However, the researchers made it clear that their method does not predict the exact date or strength of future earthquakes, nor does it estimate the potential for tsunamis. Instead, the goal is to enhance risk assessment and preparedness, helping communities better understand and manage potential threats. The effectiveness of this method relies heavily on the availability of data. On land, GPS stations provide reliable measurements, but at sea—where many of the world's most dangerous seismic faults are located—such data is still limited. This gap in coverage presents a challenge for fully understanding the risks in these areas. The research team is now expanding their work to other major subduction zones around the world, including those in Mexico, Japan, and New Zealand, as well as the San Andreas Fault in California. Scientists believe a major earthquake is likely to strike the San Andreas Fault in the coming decades, and this method could help improve preparedness and risk management in such regions.