Articles tagged with Earthquakes
A new study analyzes geologic records to predict megathrust earthquakes along Canada's west coast. The research identified 22 earthquake shaking events over the past 11,000 years, with a recurrence interval of about 500 years. This study helps Canadian coastal communities improve hazard assessments and emergency preparedness plans.
Scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution provide a new model for understanding the geological source of silent earthquakes along California's San Andreas fault. Creep events originate closer to the surface, a shallower source along the fault, according to the study published in Nature Geoscience.
A team of seismologists has discovered that slow earthquakes, which last minutes rather than seconds, are linked to the type of rock in faults. Laboratory experiments using natural samples from Japan found that clay minerals play a key role in this slip behavior, influencing how rocks react to shear.
Researchers identify two gemstones linked to plate tectonics, including ruby and jadeite. Ocean island coral reefs are shaped by sea-level history and carbonate accumulation rates.
The article highlights the importance of geophysics in disaster planning, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to address natural hazards. Brian McAdoo's presentation compares death counts and economic fallout from similar magnitude earthquakes in areas with different levels of economic development, showing that dea...
Researchers are exploring new methods for detecting transient seismic activity, such as slow slip earthquakes, using GPS network data. The study aims to improve the accuracy of forecasting likely seismic activity by accurately detecting and assessing these low-frequency signals.
Researchers analyzed pre-eruption seismic activity before the 2009 Redoubt volcano eruption, which deviated from common patterns. Advanced analysis revealed a protracted period of slow magma ascent followed by rapidly increasing pressure, enabling improved forecasting techniques.
A study by University of Utah researchers found that superstorm Sandy caused significant seismic activity along the East Coast as well as in the Atlantic Ocean. The storm's 'standing waves' created energy at the seafloor, detectable by seismometers across the US.
The article discusses various geology topics, including the use of ancient lava-fed deltas to estimate paleo-water levels and past ice thicknesses. It also explores the formation of bubbles in volcanic conduits and the presence of iron-silicate microgranules in banded iron formations.
Researchers tested the hypothesis that intraplate earthquakes could produce stronger ground shaking than those at plate boundaries. The study found no significant extension of the 1872 Owens Valley earthquake rupture, contradicting previous estimates. Instead, the data suggest that soil liquefaction occurred in nearby wetlands and mead...
This study investigates the sedimentary fingerprint of the 2011 Mississippi River flood across the Louisiana coast, identifying key indicators of sediment provenance. Chemostratigraphy also reveals a complete Late Permian to Early Triassic sequence in western Utah, shedding light on the Permian-Triassic mass extinction event.
The GSA Bulletin has published 13 new papers covering topics such as Holocene record of strong earthquakes in the Lake Tahoe region and evaporite tectonics in the Cumberland basin. The studies reveal a history of major earthquakes throughout the Holocene, with some fault ruptures occurring every 2,600 years.
A new map created by Japanese researchers helps identify high-rise buildings in the Osaka Basin vulnerable to long-period strong ground motions that last minutes. The map provides useful information for engineers to design earthquake-resistant buildings.
Researchers studied two hoodoos in Red Rock Canyon to estimate the force necessary to break sandstone shafts, shedding light on ground motion during recent earthquakes. The study suggests median or low-level ground motion despite large quakes in the area, providing valuable constraints for probabilistic seismic hazard assessments.
The article discusses various geological topics, including the flatness of Earth, chemical weathering, and the distribution of radiogenic lead in zircons. The findings show that mountains do not play a significant role in 'carbon drawdown' effect and challenge previous studies.
A NTU research team discovered massive earthquakes left clear ground scars in central Himalayas, hinting at a higher earthquake risk. The study challenges previous assumptions about blind quakes and suggests areas west or east of the 1934 Nepal ground rupture are now at greater risk.
A University of Rhode Island graduate student is using ocean waves to study the geologic structure beneath the Earth's surface. By analyzing seismic wave velocity near an underwater plateau, scientists can infer its formation process.
Researchers found that 87% of large (8.6 magnitude or higher) earthquakes are associated with intersection regions between oceanic fracture zones and subduction zones. This connection is less striking for smaller earthquakes, which are more common.
Scientists at Stanford University have identified segments of the Main Himalayan Thrust fault that could lead to massive earthquakes in the Himalayas. Meanwhile, researchers are studying small tremors in the Cascadia subduction zone to improve earthquake prediction and mitigation strategies for the Pacific Northwest.
Research in the Russian Far East has revealed a seismic and volcanic hotbed, with potential to trigger tsunamis that affect the entire Pacific Basin. Thousands of people were killed in tsunamis due to earthquakes in the region, highlighting the importance of studying these hazards.
A NASA study using TRMM satellite data found that 2010 was the deadliest year for rainfall-triggered landslides, with 1,765 fatalities and $759 million in damages. The research used a global database of landslide events and satellite-based rainfall information to identify areas with high landslide risks.
Researchers have discovered six major earthquakes above 7 magnitude on the Alhama de Murcia fault, revealing 'convincing evidence' of higher maximum earthquake magnitudes than previously thought. The study provides a detailed paleoseismic record of the fault's activity over hundreds of thousands of years.
Researchers found that earthquakes generate most of their sound by pumping the atmosphere like a loudspeaker. This discovery has significant implications for assessing damage in the immediate aftermath of an earthquake, as infrasound can reveal important details about ground shaking.
A recent study reveals Ottawa's unique geology amplifies seismic waves, exceeding expected National Building Code of Canada values. The area has experienced moderate shaking from earthquakes, but some areas have higher ground motion than others during larger events.
The study on the South Tibetan fault system reveals a minimum displacement of approx. 65 km, suggesting normal faulting played a fundamental role in the Himalayas' evolution. Meanwhile, researchers have discovered glaciation records in the James Bay Lowland, Canada, dating back to 3.5 Ma.
Researchers published new studies on the geology of Nevada, Alaska, and Arizona, shedding light on major faults, river systems, and tectonic processes. These findings provide new insights into the region's geological history and have significant implications for understanding natural disasters.
Researchers used satellite radar images and GPS receivers to detect the 8-14 centimeter rise in the island's surface. The team calculated that the amount of molten rock beneath Santorini has grown by 10-20 years' worth, but this does not necessarily indicate an imminent eruption.
Researchers analyzed seismic activity in Antarctica's David Glacier and found repeating earthquakes every 25 minutes for a year. This study sheds light on stick slip earthquakes and provides a model for understanding ice sheet flow.
Researchers from USC used earthquake data to model the Earth's mantle and reveal the strength of continents compared to the rest of the Earth. They found that a part of the South American plate, known as a cratonic keel, deflects and channels mantle flow.
A new study published by Arizona State University researchers has found nearly 1,000 small-magnitude earthquakes in Arizona over a three-year period. The improved seismic data from the EarthScope project enabled the detection of these events, which are often not felt by humans.
A study by Cliff Frohlich found that most earthquakes in the Barnett Shale region occur near injection wells used for hydraulic fracturing fluids disposal. The study suggests that injection wells enhance the probability of earthquakes, with nearly all quakes being small and posing no danger to the public.
A new study by Emanuela Guidoboni and colleagues reveals the historical record on ancient and medieval earthquakes in L'Aquila has gaps that must be addressed to assess seismic hazard. The region experienced multiple strong earthquakes, with a tendency to produce simultaneous events varying in impact.
A new study by USGS researchers Tom Parsons and Eric Geist analyzed the timing of world's largest earthquakes over 100 years, finding intervals between quakes similar to those expected from a random process. This suggests that global great earthquakes are occurring at random, rather than triggering each other.
A new study by University of Nevada, Reno's Glenn Biasi and colleagues at GNS Science in New Zealand found that the Alpine Fault has been experiencing relatively regular magnitude 8 earthquakes for at least 8,000 years. This extends the known seismic record from 1000 years ago to 8,000 years ago.
Geologists and researchers use LiDAR, geochronology, and stratigraphy to uncover the history of earthquakes, volcanism, and tectonic processes in regions like Alaska and Nevada. These findings shed light on Earth's surface evolution and help understand plate tectonics.
A comprehensive study of tsunamis in Northwestern California has been compiled by UCSB scientists, revealing evidence of smaller strong-to-major earthquakes and larger quakes that involved the regional subduction zone. The research provides valuable insights into the region's seismic activity and potential for future tsunami events.
Researchers at Oregon State University used data from underwater hydrophones and seismic analysis to detect an abrupt spike in energy about 2.6 hours before the eruption, suggesting a new method for predicting undersea volcanic activity. The study also revealed insights into the link between magma intrusion and seafloor deformation.
Researchers at George Washington University have received over $860,000 in federal funding to study the effects of earthquakes on nuclear reactor cores. The study aims to simulate fuel rod vibrations and assess potential damage during an earthquake, which could lead to radioactive material release.
Recent paleoseismic work reveals an average recurrence rate of 125 years for the San Andreas Fault in the Santa Cruz Mountains, indicating a higher seismic hazard than previously thought. The study also sheds light on how individual segments of the fault system can produce destructive earthquakes.
A new USGS study using LiDAR technology confirms the existence of previously suspected faults west of Lake Tahoe, increasing seismic hazard assessment for the region. The study also identifies an earthquake-induced landslide hazard along the fault-formed range front.
A WPI research team will conduct fire testing on a five-story building after simulating earthquakes on the nation's largest outdoor shake table. The goal is to gather data that will help engineers design better fire protection systems and provide safer buildings for people and property.
Scientists at GFZ used high-precision GPS data to determine earthquake magnitude and tsunami source in under 3 minutes. A GPS shield concept can provide accurate tsunami early warnings for regions with earthquake risks, correcting traditional seismic method limitations.
The University of Nevada, Reno's GPS technology will be used by NASA to monitor strong earthquakes along the West Coast. The system can detect changes in ground positions greater than 10 centimeters in real-time.
Geologists uncover distinct mantle sources for Sierra Nevada volcanism, shedding light on the region's youth and seismic activity. A warmer, wetter climate characterized large mammals in Western Nevada, contrary to today's Sierran orographic rain shadow.
David Shelly has made a dramatic impact on the field of seismology through his pioneering work detecting and locating deep tectonic tremor. He is recognized for his outstanding contributions to seismology, challenging prevailing theories and providing new insights into earthquake behavior.
Researchers have mapped past ruptures consistent with very large earthquakes along the Clark Fault, an individual strand associated with the San Jacinto Fault system. LiDAR technology was used to analyze terrain and identify three large seismic events at evenly spaced intervals.
Scientists have recorded unprecedented deformation within Santorini's caldera, with movement of up to nine centimeters between GPS stations. The volcano's magma chamber has expanded by 14 million cubic meters since January, raising concerns about a potential eruption.
Tidal marshlands are critical habitats that provide a buffer against storm surges and protect coastal ecosystems. However, global climate change threatens their stability, particularly if large-scale plant die-offs occur. Researchers have found that removing vegetation can lead to increased water flow rates, sediment infilling, and red...
A Simon Fraser University researcher discusses documented observations of spatial and temporal coincidences between fracturing and earthquakes east of the Rocky Mountains. The study highlights the need for more research, especially in earthquake-prone areas where injected fluids may trigger seismic activity.
A new study finds that seismic faults close to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant have reactivated after a magnitude 9 earthquake in March. The researchers warn of a higher risk of large earthquakes disturbing the region, which could potentially cause another nuclear disaster.
Researchers explore scaling relationships of slow slip events and compare them to similar laws for earthquakes, highlighting the need for further study to understand fault mechanics. A newly defined propeller-like geometry of southern San Andreas Fault may require re-thinking ground motion assessments.
A groundbreaking study by University of Miami researcher Shimon Wdowinski reveals a strong temporal relationship between tropical cyclones and large earthquakes. The study found that very wet tropical cyclone events can induce landslides and severe erosion, releasing stress loads and encouraging movement along faults.
Researchers will subject concrete footings and steel columns to simulated earthquake stresses to understand their behavior. The study aims to make skyscrapers safer and less expensive to build by optimizing foundation design.
Scientists have developed procedures to determine earthquake source information for smaller earthquakes in central and eastern North America. This improved catalog provides detailed information on faulting styles and geometry for these regions, contributing to assessing seismic hazards and constraining ground motion.
Researchers found that rock water acts as a lubricant, causing significant differences in mechanical properties along the fault at depth. This supports the idea that fluids play a key role in the onset of earthquakes, and tremor signals are linked to areas with trapped fluids.
Earthquakes result in massive death tolls due to trauma, crush injuries, and disruptions to medical services. Many victims succumb to complications, sepsis, or organ failure, while others experience mental health problems like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Researchers found that fault surfaces in earthquake zones come into contact only at microscopic points between scattered bumps called asperities. This creates intense heating, known as flash heating, which can reach temperatures of up to 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit.
Geologists Jay Quade and his team discovered rubbing boulders in the Atacama Desert that have been smoothed by seismic activity over millions of years. The phenomenon, which resembles a crowded train station, answers long-standing questions about erosion and landscape evolution.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new computer program that enables highway construction engineers to analyze soil movements caused by active landslides and erosion in real-time. This technology uses LIDAR to better assess and deal with these issues, ultimately improving construction quality and safety.
Researchers tracked changes in ionosphere during a solar eclipse, finding acoustic waves with periods of 3-5 minutes originating from the Moon's shadow. Groundwater depletion has also contributed to sea level rise, with 1,100 cubic km pumped out between 2000 and 2008.