Abstract: The principle of least energy consumption general one of nature, closely related to earthquakes. Based on a brief introduction of the principle, the problems of seismic zone,earthquake in slabs. characteristic earthquake, andseismic gap are discussed. A new approach is proposed and introduced to establish criteria for earthquake prediction and forecast according to the principle of least energy consumption. Lastly, the problem about whether earthquake prediction and forecast ispossibleor impossible to be achieved has been discussed.

Key words: Earthquake prediction, The principle of least energy consumption, Nonlinear and non-equilibrium thermodynamics, Self organized criticality