Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that occur in the same area after a larger seismic event, known as the mainshock. They can happen minutes, days, or even months after the initial quake. Aftershocks are caused by the adjustment of the Earth's crust as it settles back into equilibrium following the mainshock. While aftershocks are usually less intense than the mainshock, they can still cause damage, especially to structures weakened by the initial earthquake. The frequency and magnitude of aftershocks typically decrease over time, but they can still pose risks to communities recovering from the effects of the mainshock, such as those affected by the earthquake.