The planet currently suffers from too many large earthquakes.

Would you rather have one large earthquake - or ten earthquakes which are ten times smaller? The ten smaller quakes are preferable. They would cause much less damage.

This is the logic behind the idea of earthquake amplification via seismic stimulation. Earthquake amplification is a form of earthquaqe engineering. This involves using explosives to stimulate activity along fault lines. This lubricates fault lines and propagate and prolongs existing earthquakes.

Earthquaqe amplification currently seems to be a relatively new field. Some of the techniques are still in the research stage. The legal situation is less-than perfectly clear. The most effective interventions are still being explored.

Seismic stimulation has been used in the past to release fossil fuel deposits.

References

• Positive effect of earthquake waves on well productivity: Case study: Iranian carbonate gas condensate reservoir
• Seismic used to shake up reservoir - Shockwaves Loosen Stuck Oil