abalo sísmico principal
1. The largest seismic event in a sequence of earthquakes occurring in the same area, as opposed to foreshocks or aftershocks
The main shock of the earthquake measured 7.2 on the Richter scale.
O abalo sísmico principal do terremoto mediu 7,2 na escala Richter.
2. In seismology, the principal earthquake that causes the most significant ground movement and damage in a seismic sequence
Scientists distinguished between the foreshocks and the main shock that occurred on Tuesday.
Os cientistas diferenciaram os abalos iniciais do abalo sísmico principal que ocorreu na terça-feira.
This is a technical term from seismology with equal usage in both Brazilian Portuguese and English-speaking scientific communities. It gained particular importance in public discourse following major earthquakes and natural disasters, where media and scientists distinguish between foreshocks, the main shock, and aftershocks to help the public understand seismic sequences.
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