In this paper,three parameters(E,T,and R) were used as tools to describe the activities of moderate earthquakes defined by statistical analysis of 11 earthquakes(M≥5.0) in the northeast region of China.The results showed that seismic activity in this area had obvious regional characteristics such that intense seismic activity of ML≥4.0 earthquakes was observed prior to all M≥5.0 earthquakes in Liaoning and to the west of the Nenjiang fracture.The final moderate earthquakes prior to the M≥5.0 earthquakes generally occurred within six months.The interval average was three months;the shortest period was 0.7month in Liaoning Province.In addition,the interval ranged from two to nine months with a four-month average west of the Nenjiang fracture.However,intensive moderate earthquake activity was not observed prior to M≥5.0earthquakes east of the fracture.The probability of the expected M≥5.0earthquake occurring in the area of Yingkou-Haicheng-Xiuyan was more than 75%,which was accompanied by enhanced moderate earthquake intensity.If a foreshock sequence existed,its epicenter was located in the scope of 22km near the larger earthquake.Essentially,the epicenter of M≥5.0earthquake occurring to the west of the Nenjiang fracture was located in the vicinity of the initial or latest moderate earthquake area,at a distance of 11~67km.Therefore,the ETR method has some significance in determining the epicenter of next M≥5.0earthquake after the occurrence of moderate seismic activity