Earthquakes
Articles tagged with Earthquakes
New models reconstruct fault movement of the 2025 Kamchatka earthquake
New models reconstruct the movement of faults during the 8.8 magnitude Kamchatka earthquake, revealing limited shallow rupture and affecting tsunami risk. The study provides valuable insights into predicting giant earthquakes and protecting coastal communities.
New insights into how earthquakes stop
Researchers at Kyoto University discovered a previously unrecognized feature in near-fault seismic records of large earthquakes: a distinct stopping phase. This phase represents a systematic signal associated with the termination of rupture, demonstrating that many near-field recordings contain this coherent stopping phase.
Atlantic island narrowly escaped ‘stealthy’ eruption
Researchers discovered a massive magma intrusion on São Jorge Island in the Azores, which stalled just 1.6km below the surface, avoiding an eruption. The study used seismometers and satellite data to reconstruct the underground movement of magma, revealing how it rose through a main fault system.
Machine learning detected more than 60,000 earthquakes during 2025 Santorini sequence
A unique machine learning study identified over 60,000 earthquakes during the 2025 Santorini seismic crisis. The researchers found six times more earthquakes in the first 30 days compared to traditional monitoring, providing insights into fault networks and magma movement.
Ocean bottom seismometers could improve earthquake warning times in pacific northwest
Researchers found that incorporating data from ocean bottom seismometers could improve ShakeAlert's detection time by 5-9 seconds. This technology has the potential to increase warning times for regional offshore earthquakes by up to 40 seconds.
Safety board urges analysis of extensive faulting in underground Nevada nuclear lab
The underground laboratory in Nevada has extensive faulting, with signs of rock displacement and slickensides observed throughout the facility. The faults' age is unknown, and their potential impact on seismic safety designs is unclear.
New constraints on subducting plate near Oregon coast suggests increased ground shaking during Cascadia megaquake
A new study suggests that a shallower Juan de Fuca slab beneath northern Oregon could increase estimated peak ground acceleration by 9-17% during Cascadia megathrust earthquakes. The research also identified a deep sedimentary basin beneath Tillamook, Oregon, which could amplify ground shaking and have been well-studied in other parts ...
Using ‘imaginative’ AI to survey past and future earthquake damage
Researchers developed an AI model to create highly photorealistic 3D reconstructions of ground-level damage after earthquakes. The LoRA-Enhanced Ground-view Generation diffusion model can recognize complex visual patterns and predict where structures may be damaged, even in densely populated urban areas.
How velocity models change earthquake shaking predictions in southwest China
Researchers found that three-dimensional velocity models can reasonably reproduce observed ground motion, outperforming one-dimensional models. Averaging predictions from multiple models reduces systematic bias and improves results.
Stress-testing the Cascadia Subduction Zone reveals variability that could impact how earthquakes spread
Researchers found the Cascadia Subduction Zone to be more active than previously thought, with signs of shallow earthquakes and fluid flow detected offshore. The study suggests variable fluid pathways could alter the behavior of large earthquakes on the fault, potentially influencing the severity of future events.
New study unveils the mechanism behind “boomerang” earthquakes
Researchers at MIT identify conditions that enable 'back-propagating fronts' in simple faults, which may have been undetected in past seismic data. The findings suggest boomerang quakes could be more common than previously thought.
Revealing deformation mechanisms of the mineral antigorite in subduction zones
Deformation mechanisms of serpentinite, a key research target for understanding plate boundaries, have been investigated. Grain boundary sliding dominates deformation, producing 'B-type' CPO patterns, which contribute to seismic activity and earthquakes.
Understanding the hazard potential of the Seattle Fault zone: It’s “pretty close to home”
A new study investigates the dynamics of a complex fault zone under Seattle, revealing that secondary faults rupture more frequently than previously thought. Researchers hope to refine their understanding of these faults and determine how much hazard they pose to Seattle's four million residents.
Study reveals the extent of rare earthquakes in deep layer below Earth’s crust
Researchers have identified a global map of rare continental mantle earthquakes, which will help scientists understand the mechanics of these events and potentially improve knowledge of risks from common earthquakes. The study, published in Science, used a new method to distinguish between mantle and crustal earthquakes.
Could ionospheric disturbances influence earthquakes?
The study suggests that ionospheric charge variations could interact with pre-existing fragile structures in the Earth's crust, influencing fracture processes. Strong solar activity could generate electrostatic pressures comparable to tidal or gravitational stresses, potentially contributing to earthquake initiation.
2018 Kīlauea earthquake may have stalled fault’s slow slip for decades
A magnitude 6.9 earthquake on the Island of Hawaiʻi in 2018 may have stalled episodes of periodic slow slip along a major fault underlying the volcano, according to scientists. The resulting 'stress shadow' could keep these events from happening again for decades.
Ancient clay hidden under Japan caused rupture that triggered devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami
Researchers drilled up to 7,906 meters below the sea surface to investigate what caused the Tōhoku-oki fault to rupture and trigger the earthquake. The clay layer was found to be soft, slippery, and exceptionally weak, allowing it to act like a natural 'tear line' that caused the fault to form.
New analysis disputes historic earthquake, tsunami and death toll on Greek island
Researchers previously estimated a powerful earthquake on Chalke Island in 1843 caused up to 600 deaths and a tsunami. However, a new study finds the event was likely a magnitude 5.93 earthquake with no deaths or tsunami reported at the time.
Analyzing submerged fault structures to predict future earthquakes in Türkiye
A new 3D model of the fault beneath the Marmara Sea reveals where a future major earthquake could take place, helping improve earthquake forecasts. The study uses magnetotelluric measurements to identify distinct high-resistivity and low-resistivity zones, shedding light on ongoing processes of fault mechanics.
Tiny earthquakes reveal hidden faults under Northern California
Researchers tracked tiny earthquakes to better understand the complex region where the San Andreas fault meets the Cascadia subduction zone. The study reveals five moving pieces, including two out of sight from the Earth's surface, which contribute to the seismic hazard.
Seafloor study reveals one reason why Japan's 2011 earthquake turned deadly
A new seafloor study revealed that a thin, clay-rich layer hidden beneath the seafloor enabled the 2011 Japan earthquake to rupture all the way to the trench, producing massive displacement. This finding could help scientists better understand and respond to other intense earthquakes and tsunamis.
How hidden factors beneath Istanbul shape earthquake risk
New research simulates 10,000 years of seismic activity to show how underground temperature and sediment patterns control where earthquakes start, spread, and stop. This study provides a more accurate picture of the Main Marmara Fault's behavior, essential for building codes, emergency planning, and infrastructure decisions.
Hidden clay intensified 2011 Japan megaquake, study confirms
Researchers confirm that a 30-meter-thick layer of soft and slippery pelagic clay at the Japan Trench enabled the earthquake to rupture all the way to the trench, producing a massive tsunami. The discovery sheds new light on why the 2011 earthquake behaved so differently from predicted models.
Deep ocean earthquakes drive Southern Ocean’s massive phytoplankton blooms, study finds
A new study found that deep underwater earthquakes can spur massive phytoplankton blooms at the ocean surface. Phytoplankton are microscopic, plant-like organisms that float in upper ocean layers and serve as the foundation of the oceanic food chain.
Satellite data helps UNM researchers map massive rupture of 2025 Myanmar earthquake
Researchers used satellite data to study the 2025 Myanmar earthquake, which struck along a geologically 'mature' fault. The study found that the energy released by the earthquake was highly focused and came right to the surface, potentially leading to more intense ground shaking near the fault line.
Homes that can withstand extremes: New study reveals pathways to housing resilience
Researchers identified key building code features that impact hazard resilience, including prioritizing structural elements like lateral support. Smarter regulation and stronger structures can work together to create safer homes, but local expertise is crucial in places with independent-minded populations.
Simple gel jelly beads on a liquid surface reveal secrets of slow earthquakes
Scientists at The University of Osaka reproduced multiple statistical characteristics of slow earthquakes using gel jelly beads on a liquid surface. The study suggests that slow earthquakes exhibit anomalously long and small slips adjacent to regular earthquakes, with potential implications for probabilistic earthquake assessments.
Tsunami from massive Kamchatka earthquake captured by satellite
A satellite deployed to measure ocean surface heights captured the first high-resolution track of a great subduction zone tsunami. The track shows an unexpectedly complex pattern of waves dispersing and scattering across the ocean basin.
New research from Montana State highlights subsurface impact of Yellowstone earthquakes
A new study by Montana State University professor Eric Boyd explores how Yellowstone's earthquakes impact microbial life and the planet's earliest ecosystems. The research reveals that earthquakes allow fresh minerals to be exposed, replenishing the energy source for microbes, which could provide insights into life on other planets.
Earthquakes shake up Yellowstone’s subterranean ecosystems
Seismic activity in Yellowstone's subsurface microbial communities led to changes in chemical energy and planktonic cell concentrations. The study found that kinetic energy from earthquakes can change the geochemical and microbial compositions of aquifer fluids.
AI quake tools forecast aftershock risk in seconds, study shows
Researchers have developed AI-powered forecasting tools that can predict the risk of aftershocks within seconds of an initial earthquake, offering a significant improvement over current methods. The new models trained on global earthquake data demonstrate comparable accuracy to existing systems while providing near real-time results.
Hidden process behind 2025 Santorini earthquakes uncovered
A team of researchers has identified a new mechanism behind the 2025 Santorini earthquakes, finding that magma intrusion waves triggered the seismic unrest. The study used advanced machine learning techniques to analyze ground vibrations recorded by seismometers and inferred the movement of pressurized magma with unprecedented detail.
Rocks on faults can heal following seismic movement
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, found that rocks on fault lines can glue themselves back together within hours after a seismic event. This discovery challenges current models of fault behavior and suggests that cohesion may play a crucial role in major earthquakes.
Can AI help us predict earthquakes?
Machine learning models detected subtle signals that emerge just before the onset of laboratory earthquakes. The key predictive factor is the evolution of shear stress on creeping regions of the fault.
Monitoring hidden processes beneath Kīlauea could aid eruption forecast
Researchers found that Kīlauea's magma system started behaving anomalously about a year before the 2018 eruption, suggesting a blockage formed between the volcano's summit magma reservoirs. Continuous monitoring data accumulated, gaining insights into Kīlauea's inner workings and its long-term behavior.
Beauty and fear
A new study explores how emotions play a crucial role in communicating natural disasters, finding that balancing fear with positive emotions like fascination and confidence can improve disaster preparedness. The research highlights the importance of recognizing and channelling emotions to promote self-efficacy and motivation.
Climate’s impact on earthquakes
Climate changes in Lake Turkana influenced fault activity and magma production, rewriting the story of human evolution. Researchers found that lower lake levels led to increased melting and faulting, with potential implications for future volcanic and tectonic activity in East Africa.
Myanmar fault had ideal geometry to produce 2025 supershear earthquake
A recent study published in Science reveals that Myanmar's Sagaing Fault produced a supershear earthquake with speeds up to five kilometers per second, causing widespread destruction. The researchers attribute this phenomenon to the fault's ideal geometry and contrasting rock properties.
Turning smartphones into earthquake sensors
Citizens' smartphones can be used to create highly detailed site amplification maps, providing critical input for seismic hazard assessment and supporting earthquake emergency response. The new approach, based on the Earthquake Network initiative, aggregates thousands of measurements to yield reliable high-resolution amplification maps.
Why earthquakes sometimes still occur in tectonically silent regions
Geosciences researchers discovered that extra stress can build up on faults due to millions of years of inactivity, resulting in a single release. This acceleration causes earthquakes to occur despite textbooks suggesting otherwise. The study has important implications for the future use of subsurfaces.
Coral skeletons left by a medieval tsunami whisper warning for Caribbean region
Researchers estimate a medieval tsunami struck Anegada between 1381 and 1391, based on analysis of coral skeletons. The finding supports efforts to prepare for future tsunamis in the Caribbean region.
Twin threat: Cascadia and San Andreas faults may be seismically linked
Researchers found similarities in timing and structure of turbidite layers in cores from both fault systems, suggesting seismic synchronization between Cascadia and San Andreas faults. The study, led by Chris Goldfinger, suggests that earthquakes on one fault could draw down resources across the country.
Machine learning sharpens earthquake risk assessment maps for Tokyo
Researchers created a high-resolution 3D liquefaction hazard map using machine learning and geotechnical data. The model accurately predicted soil properties and liquefaction risk, identifying high-risk areas in reclaimed coastal zones and river floodplains with unprecedented clarity and precision.
Researchers discover mechanism that can ramp up magnitude of certain earthquakes
A recently discovered chain of events in a Chilean earthquake was found to have supercharged its strength, breaching temperatures above 650 degrees Celsius and leading to increased shaking. The study's findings have implications for future earthquake hazard assessments and could support emergency response and long-term planning.
Magma displacement triggered tens of thousands of earthquakes
An earthquake swarm in Santorini was triggered by magma displacement, generating over 28,000 recorded earthquakes. The study reveals the chain of events that led to this seismic activity, including a hydraulic connection between two volcanoes.
Afghanistan’s August 2025 earthquake reveals the cost of international isolation, UN scientists warn
The UN University attributes the high death toll to decades of conflict, diplomatic isolation, and poor construction, which left buildings vulnerable to moderate earthquakes. The analysis calls for improved disaster relief frameworks to ensure humanitarian aid reaches all populations, regardless of government sanctions.
MIT geologists discover where energy goes during an earthquake
Researchers at MIT have traced the energy released by 'lab quakes' and found that 80% of a quake's energy goes into heating up the region around the epicenter, while only 10% causes physical shaking. The study's findings could help seismologists predict earthquake vulnerability in regions prone to seismic events.
Taiwan study analyzes attributes of resilience after major earthquakes
A new study in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America identifies 13 attributes of resilience in disaster response and preparedness. Agility and diversity are found to be crucial in both phases, while creativity and connectivity become vital during the response phase.
AI model reveals hidden earthquake swarms and faults in Italy’s Campi Flegrei
Researchers used AI to identify four times more earthquakes than earlier tools and pinpoint previously unknown faults in the region. The study expands seismicity recorded by monitoring stations from 2022 to 2025, revealing two faults converging under the town of Pozzuoli west of Naples.
Mysterious fickle hill earthquake in Northern California may have unexpected source
A new study reveals that a 1954 magnitude 6.5 earthquake in Northern California was likely triggered by the Cascadia subduction interface, challenging previous assumptions about its source.
Years after an earthquake, rivers still carry the mountains downstream
Researchers found that the sediment surge after the Wenchuan Earthquake led to a significant increase in bedload flux, accounting for 65% of the overall sediment flowing through the river. The elevated flux persisted for at least ten years, with no evidence of declining back to background levels.
Towards better earthquake risk assessment with machine learning
Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology used machine learning algorithms to predict bearing layer depth and assess liquefaction risk. The study found that random forest models outperformed others, especially with increasing spatial data density.
Microearthquakes in New Zealand's Southern Alps more common during spring and summer
New research found microearthquakes in the central Southern Alps increase during warmer periods, triggered by meltwater from glaciers and seasonal snow. The study highlights the role of extreme rainfall and glacier dynamics in seismic activity.
New insights into tectonic movements in south-eastern Europe
A team of geoscientists used advanced satellite data to track land movements in Greece and Turkey, providing crucial information for assessing the risk of major earthquakes. The study's findings show that stress builds up at plate boundaries, leading to increased likelihood of earthquakes.
Study demonstrates excellent potential of earthquake early warning system in Alaska
A new report estimates that an earthquake early warning (EEW) system could provide at least 10 seconds of warning time for hazardous shaking in Alaska. Increasing the density and spacing of seismic stations can add up to 15 seconds, according to researchers. The study aims to help expand the US ShakeAlert system to Alaska.
Research shows Alaska early quake warning system could provide critical seconds
A proposed earthquake early warning system for Alaska could provide critical seconds of warning time before strong shaking, according to research by Alex Fozkos. The system would use a network of seismic sensors to detect an earthquake's fast-moving primary waves and send alerts before slower secondary waves arrive.
University of Maryland geophysicist helps identify moonquake dangers that could threaten future missions
Researchers found that ground acceleration from moonquakes can shift lunar landscapes and threaten stability of future missions. The study assesses damage risk using new models of quakes and finds a one in 20 million chance of a potentially damaging moonquake occurring near an active fault.
Advancing earthquake prediction with an unmanned aerial vehicle
The University of Tokyo researchers developed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can withstand ocean currents and wind, enabling the acquisition of reliable seafloor measurements. The system achieved a horizontal root mean square error of approximately 1–2 cm, comparable to existing vessel-based systems.
Earthquake caught on camera
A recent study analyzed CCTV footage of the 2025 Myanmar Earthquake, capturing unprecedented details about the fault motion. The team found that the fault slipped sideways by 2.5 meters in just 1.3 seconds, with a maximum speed of 3.2 meters per second.