Student Article
Something Very Weird Is Happening to the Planet's Earthquakes; Here's Why
Tectonic plates (noun): Large pieces of Earth's crust that move and shift, causing earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Crust (noun): The outer layer of the Earth.
Intraplate (adjective): Happening inside a tectonic plate.
Geologically (adverb): Relating to the Earth's physical structure and substance.
Fault (noun): A crack in the Earth's crust where earthquakes can occur.
Mitigating (verb): Making less severe or intense.
Earthquakes are usually expected to occur along the boundaries of tectonic plates, where the Earth's crust is most active. However, some earthquakes, known as intraplate earthquakes, happen far from these boundaries, in places that are typically geologically quiet. These rare events can be very destructive and are difficult to predict.
What do we know about intraplate earthquakes?
Scientists like Professor Éric Calais and Jean François Ritz are studying intraplate earthquakes to understand why they happen. These earthquakes occur in the interiors of tectonic plates, away from the active margins. Although they are rare, intraplate earthquakes can cause significant damage in areas that are not prepared for such events.
Where can intraplate earthquakes happen?
Intraplate earthquakes can occur anywhere there is a geological fault in the Earth's crust. For example, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Bhuj, India, in 2001, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Another notable intraplate earthquake occurred in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1886, resulting in severe damage.
Why are these earthquakes hard to predict?
One challenge in predicting intraplate earthquakes is their rarity and long return periods. Unlike earthquakes at plate boundaries, which can be monitored and estimated, intraplate earthquakes often occur without warning. Scientists believe that factors such as melting ice sheets, surface erosion, and even heavy rainfall can trigger these earthquakes.
Understanding intraplate earthquakes is crucial for improving safety and preparedness in affected areas. By studying these mysterious events, scientists hope to develop better methods for predicting and mitigating their impact.
Tectonic plates (noun): Large pieces of Earth's crust that move and shift, causing earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Crust (noun): The outer layer of the Earth.
Intraplate (adjective): Happening inside a tectonic plate.
Geologically (adverb): Relating to the Earth's physical structure and substance.
Fault (noun): A crack in the Earth's crust where earthquakes can occur.
Mitigating (verb): Making less severe or intense.