Articles tagged with Earthquakes
The September-October issue of GSA Bulletin explores various geological topics, including fast erosion during floods and improving the Earth's geological time scale fidelity. A study on the West Mariana Ridge reveals new insights into its geomorphology and processes.
Researchers have discovered that tiny smectitic clay coatings on the rock surfaces of the San Andreas fault reduce friction and facilitate creeping motion. This coating, less than 100 nanometers thick, acts as a lubricant, allowing the fault to move slowly and steadily over time.
Researchers have identified zones in the Iberian Peninsula with potential for moderate earthquakes, including parts of the Cordillera Cantábrica and Pyrenees regions. The study uses morphostructural zoning method to analyze topographic, geological, and geophysical data.
Researchers have discovered synchronized faults in California's Mojave Desert and Nevada's mountains, which can lead to simultaneous big quakes. This phenomenon occurs when faults are near their breaking points and aligned in their seismic cycles, changing the way we assess earthquake hazards.
New analysis by Oregon State University scientists suggests a high probability of a magnitude 8.2 or higher earthquake in the Cascadia Subduction Zone, with 37% chance in southern segment and 10-15% in northern segment within 50 years. This risk is exacerbated by clusters of major earthquakes occurring every 250 years.
New research suggests that radio frequency identification (RFID) could be used to provide critical information on casualties and losses in the immediate aftermath of an earthquake. RFID readers installed at entry and exit points and around critical areas in a building could help rescue personnel locate trapped individuals more precisely.
A team of scientists discovered that seismic slip on the Central Peru Megathrust is caused by a combination of earthquakes and non-seismic creep. This finding indicates that movement along this subduction zone is more complex than previously thought.
Researchers at the University of Calgary have made a groundbreaking discovery about the Earth's core by analyzing seismic wave speed. The study reveals that the outer core is well mixed and lacks stratification, providing new insights into the planet's magnetic field and formation.
Researchers investigate seismic activity in the Midwest US, shedding light on causes of intraplate earthquakes. The study reveals insights into stress within fault zones and the impact of glacial rebound on earthquake frequency. Key findings also highlight correlations between mantle density structures and topographic uplift.
Researchers investigate the seismic potential of the Cascadia subduction zone, exploring temporal clustering of earthquakes and the likelihood of a next event by 2060. They also examine slow slip phenomena and landslides, shedding light on precursory patterns that may save lives.
Researchers are working together to understand intraplate earthquakes in an effort to minimize the loss of life and property. By deploying seismic recorders and analyzing data from two large experiments, the team aims to advance knowledge of earthquake causes and hazards.
Hebrew University researchers describe how frictional strength evolves over time, with a focus on microscopic 'bumps' that govern contact between sliding bodies. The study provides a comprehensive picture of friction's behavior, shedding light on its applications in fields like hard drives and earthquakes.
A new study by John Anderson of the Nevada Seismological Laboratory has compiled a list of 100 earthquakes with the strongest peak accelerations (PGA) and velocities (PGV) ever recorded, exceeding thresholds of 7.31 m/s2 for acceleration and 0.65 m/s for velocity.
Researchers at Arizona State University and UC Irvine found varying fault movement in Carrizo Plain stream channels, contradicting previous assumptions of constant slip. This new information affects earthquake forecasting and understanding the potential for damaging earthquakes along the San Andreas Fault.
A new computer study reveals that tensions in a fault zone south of Istanbul could trigger multiple earthquakes, increasing the city's earthquake risk. The study's findings suggest that built-up tension can unload in smaller quakes rather than one massive event.
Researchers found that tides strongly modulate tremors on the San Andreas Fault, suggesting high fluid pressure lubricates the rock. This lubrication allows for slip with little effort, increasing stress on shallower fracture zones.
Researchers found that longer dormant periods and thicker magma increase the length of a volcano's 'run-up' before an eruption. This can help scientists estimate when a rumbling volcano might erupt and how long to stay on alert after an eruption starts.
Researchers have found regular patterns in small tremors between episodic tremor and slip events, suggesting a megathrust earthquake could occur closer to the Puget Sound region than previously thought. This new evidence is helping scientists refine building codes and better understand the hazard from a great quake.
A recent study published in BSSA found that certain types of subduction zones exhibit lower earthquake production rates, contradicting previous assumptions. The research suggests that the efficiency of earthquake production is influenced by fault slip rate and relative plate velocity.
The San Jacinto fault in Southern California experiences frequent mini-earthquakes due to deep creep, which releases stored stress. This phenomenon reduces the likelihood of a major earthquake, but does not eliminate it.
Most central US small earthquakes are aftershocks of magnitude 7 New Madrid quakes in 1811 and 1812. Aftershocks continue due to slow fault movement, unlike faster-moving faults like San Andreas.
The October issue of BSSA features a review on strong ground motions, suggesting that the current global record reflects only a small sample of what is physically possible. Additionally, researchers explore the correlation between toppled columns and earthquake source determination in archaeoseismology.
Scientists at Carnegie Institution found a way to monitor fault strength deep in the Earth using highly sensitive seismometers. This method detects subtle changes in earthquake waves indicating weakening of the fault and corresponding periods of increased small earthquakes.
New study locates source of L'Aquila earthquake, finding it increases seismic hazard in region. Researchers also find waning sea ice bodes stormier, rainier Arctic with increased precipitation. Additionally, scientists develop new method to measure snow depth using GPS technology.
Scientists have developed a new method to monitor underground movements using earthquake data, allowing for comprehensive mapping of the Earth's seismic activity. This breakthrough increases the number of locations that can detect seismic activity and enables monitoring from far deeper within the Earth.
A new earthquake-resistant structural system has been successfully tested in Japan, demonstrating its ability to make buildings far more damage resistant and easier to repair. The system dissipates energy through steel frames that rock off their foundation under large earthquakes, confining damage to replaceable parts.
New research from the University of Arizona found that slowly moving faults, like the Alto Tiberina in Italy, can help prevent large earthquakes. The study used geodesy to measure rock movements and revealed that the fault is actively slipping at a rate of approximately one-tenth of an inch per year.
Scientists have uncovered new evidence on the origin and evolution of seismogenic faults in the Nankai Trough, a region prone to massive earthquakes. The research, conducted during the NanTroSEIZE expedition, reveals that fault activity varies through time, with periods of high and low activity recorded.
Using ambient noise correlation, University of Illinois researchers Xiaodong Song and Zhen J. Xu observed significant changes in the behavior of parts of Earth's crust affected by three major earthquakes. The technique allowed them to detect tiny changes in seismic velocity over large areas.
A new study found no daily or weekly pattern to earthquakes in Western U.S. due to human activity. Seismic stations struggle to detect M>1 earthquakes, making it appear like more occur on Sundays and late at night. Researchers explored speleothem records in caves for accurate quake documentation.
Researchers used magnetotelluric sounding to detect large amounts of water in New Zealand's crust, revealing three processes that help deform the crust above it. The study found water is released at varying depths, contributing to earthquake generation and faulting in the region.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed a 'cloak' that can control surface waves, reducing damage from earthquakes. The technology involves concentric rings of plastic that deflect waves away from protected areas, offering potential protection for densely populated regions.
A new study by UC Berkeley researchers found that increased tremors along the San Andreas Fault near Parkfield, Calif., may indicate a build-up of stress and an increased likelihood of a major quake. The tremors have continued to this day at a rate significantly higher than before two nearby earthquakes in 2003 and 2004.
Scientists have discovered a natural deep earth pump that plays a crucial role in forming ore deposits and earthquakes. The process, called creep cavitation, involves fluid being pumped through pores in deformed rock, contributing to tectonic plate movement and mantle degassing.
Researchers found that typhoons trigger slow earthquakes in eastern Taiwan, with 11 events occurring within a five-year study period. The slow quakes are characterized by non-violent fault slippage events that release energy hours or days after the typhoon passes.
Researchers found a layer on top of subducted plates where S-waves are 30-50% slower than typical oceanic crust, indicating high water saturation levels. This ultra-slow-velocity layer is linked to slow earthquakes and non-volcanic tremors, providing clues about their causes.
Researchers linked pre-historic seismic events on the San Andreas Fault to assess likelihood of future great ruptures. Analysis suggests several events similar to a historical earthquake occurred since A.D. 900 on the southern San Andreas fault.
Miaki Ishii has made two groundbreaking discoveries in geophysics that have fostered intense debate and subsequent research on deep Earth seismology. Her work challenged the long-held theory of a homogenized mantle, revealing lateral variations in mantle density instead.
Researchers have detected slow slip events along a major fault zone beneath the Nicoya Peninsula, shedding light on the full spectrum of motions occurring on the fault. The findings may yield new insights into the events that lead to major earthquakes, but experts caution that more study is needed.
A simple, inexpensive method to strengthen buildings with partial-height walls has been developed, showing that replacing windows with ordinary masonry bricks can improve the structure's strength and stiffness by up to six times. The researchers used a three-story building in their study, which was subjected to forces simulating strong...
Researchers have found a connection between seismic slip and nonvolcanic tremor in the Cascadia subduction zone, potentially increasing stress on the megathrust fault. The findings suggest that slow slip events may lead to increased risk of megathrust earthquakes.
Researchers have discovered an abundance of pseudotachylytes, rocks formed under extreme heat and friction during earthquakes, in the Sierra Nevada. This finding reveals the importance of heat generated by the earthquake process and challenges previous assumptions about their rarity.
Scientists investigated early warning system accuracy, finding it unlikely to estimate large earthquakes with high precision. Rapid magnitude estimation works better when using multiple seismic stations in close proximity to the fault.
Probabilistic maps detail degree of hazard within broader zones, providing perspective on actual risk to users. Liquefaction probability is highest in some areas along major creeks with a water table close to the surface.
The Supe people's advanced stone pyramid temples and maritime farming community were devastated by a series of earthquakes and flooding caused by El Nino events, rendering their fertile fields and bays uninhabitable. The region's collapse serves as a cautionary tale for modern times, highlighting the risks of environmental vulnerability.
Research on submarine displacement rates reveals some of the highest strike-slip rates on Earth, with implications for plate boundary deformation. Volcanic ice-slurry flows are also studied, showing extreme mobility and hazards at snow-capped volcanoes, with insights into their kinematic properties.
Researchers have identified trapped water as the cause of regular tremors under Vancouver Island, explaining episodic tremors every 14 months. The study provides a detailed glimpse into the geological mechanics beneath the island, bringing scientists closer to understanding earthquake cycles.
Researchers used repeating microearthquakes to estimate the deep slip rate of the Lijiang-Ninglang fault, yielding a value of 5 mm/yr at 23 km depth. This discovery provides a new method for inferring slip rates along active faults and sheds light on earthquake recurrence.
A US death map shows that heat/drought and severe summer weather are leading causes of death, with the South and mountain west particularly vulnerable. The study highlights the importance of emergency management in reducing loss of life from natural hazards.
Researchers found that a magnitude 9.2 Indian Ocean earthquake triggered non-volcanic tremor at the Parkfield region of the San Andreas fault, approximately 125 miles away. This low-stress event sheds new light on seismic phenomenon and its potential role in releasing stress within an earthquake-producing fault.
A research team led by Purdue Professor Eric Calais has captured the first recorded event of a 'dyking' process that breaks apart tectonic plates and weaks the Earth's lithosphere. This process, previously only theorized, can lead to the formation of oceans and continents.
Scientists analyzed coral and GPS data to determine the details of the 2007 breaks, finding that only one section had broken, releasing a quarter of the accumulated deficit over two centuries. The study provides valuable insights into the stress accumulation on the Sumatra megathrust.
Researchers use simulated earthquake tests to improve seismic assessment tools and critical retrofit designs for non-ductile reinforced concrete frames with masonry-infilled walls. The project aims to assess the resistance of these structures under realistic seismic load conditions, developing reliable analytical models to evaluate the...
Researchers investigated ancient soils in Big Bend National Park, Texas, and found increased chemical weathering during the initial Eocene thermal maximum. The study suggests that increased humidity and CO2 levels led to hydrolysis reactions, potentially serving as a negative feedback to reduce atmospheric CO2.
Studies reveal that solar forcing has negligible impact on recent global warming, while a declining Arctic sea ice cover threatens an ice-free North Pole. A new model also explains the behavior of slow earthquakes by simulating random fault slip.
Researchers Jan Schmedes and Ralph J. Archuleta found that locally ground motion increases near the epicenter but not equally along the rupture plane of large earthquakes. A new method for estimating detection capability was also developed, providing a more complete picture of seismicity.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a Probabilistic Voting-based Filtering Scheme to protect WSNs against fabricated reports with false votes and false validation votes. This scheme can detect compromised sensors in real-time, minimizing false alarms and wasteful response efforts.
A recent study suggests that New York City faces a substantial earthquake risk due to the presence of subtle but active faults. The research indicates that magnitude 5 quakes, strong enough to cause damage, should be routinely expected every 100 years, with potentially catastrophic consequences for the densely populated area.
Scientists use a method developed for detecting underground nuclear tests to identify mine collapses and detect additional surface seismic waves. The new technique compares model seismograms to observed data, helping to differentiate between collapse events and other seismic activities.
Researchers measured changes in rock stress affecting seismic wave speed at depths where earthquakes occur, detecting 'preseismic' changes before two earthquakes. The findings could lead to a better understanding of fault-zone stress and improve earthquake prediction.