Student Article
Something Very Weird Is Happening to the Planet's Earthquakes; Here's Why
Seismologists (noun): Scientists who study earthquakes.
Seismic (adjective): Relating to earthquakes or other vibrations of the Earth.
Mechanism (noun): The underlying structure or method by which something happens or operates.
Mitigating (verb): Making less severe or intense.
Earthquakes are typically associated with the boundaries of tectonic plates, where the Earth's crust is most active. However, some earthquakes, known as intraplate earthquakes, occur far from these boundaries, in regions that are usually geologically quiet. These rare but potentially devastating events pose significant challenges for prediction and preparedness.
What do we know about intraplate earthquakes?
Seismologists Professor Éric Calais and Jean François Ritz are dedicated to understanding intraplate earthquakes. These seismic events occur within the interiors of tectonic plates, away from the active margins. Although intraplate earthquakes are infrequent, they can cause immense destruction in areas that are not typically considered earthquake-prone.
Where can intraplate earthquakes happen?
Intraplate earthquakes can happen anywhere there is a geological fault in the Earth's crust. Notable examples include the magnitude 7.6 earthquake in Bhuj, India, in 2001, which resulted in extensive damage and loss of life, and the 1886 Charleston, South Carolina, earthquake, which caused significant destruction.
Why are these earthquakes hard to predict?
One of the main challenges in predicting intraplate earthquakes is their rarity and long return periods. Unlike earthquakes at plate boundaries, which can be monitored and estimated based on historical data, intraplate earthquakes often occur without warning. Factors such as the melting of ice sheets, surface erosion, and even heavy rainfall can act as triggers for these events.The mechanism behind intraplate earthquakes involves the accumulation of strain on geological faults over time. When the strain reaches a critical level, the fault ruptures, releasing energy in the form of seismic waves. This process is similar to earthquakes at plate boundaries, but the triggers for intraplate earthquakes can be different.
Understanding intraplate earthquakes is essential for improving safety and preparedness in affected regions. By studying these mysterious events, scientists aim to develop better methods for predicting and mitigating their impact. As global heating continues to affect ice sheets and glaciers, the potential for increased intraplate seismic activity highlights the importance of ongoing research in this field.
Seismologists (noun): Scientists who study earthquakes.
Seismic (adjective): Relating to earthquakes or other vibrations of the Earth.
Mechanism (noun): The underlying structure or method by which something happens or operates.
Mitigating (verb): Making less severe or intense.