Articles tagged with Seismology
Researchers found that tilling and compaction disrupt intricate capillary networks within the soil, causing it to pool rainwater and form a muddy crust. The study provides a clear explanation for why tillage changes the structure of soil in ways that affect water retention.
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.
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.
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.
A critically stressed fault has been identified in the Karoo Basin, which could be perturbed by potential shale gas exploration. The researchers used data from geophones and previously collected geophysical data to characterize and interpret the seismicity in the area.
Eduardo Miranda, a Stanford University professor, has been recognized for his pioneering work in developing new ground motion models and intensity measures. His research has significantly shaped seismic design provisions and emphasized the use of strong-motion data in both research and teaching.
Researchers have developed a new detection method called 'Jerk' that can identify extremely subtle ground movements as precursors of volcanic eruptions. The method was tested at a volcano observatory on La Réunion island and predicted 92% of eruptions between 2014 and 2023, with warning times ranging from minutes to hours.
Researchers use seismic data to pinpoint the trajectory of falling debris, providing near-real-time tracking and rapid retrievals. This innovation complements radar data and can help locate potential crash sites, retrieve hazardous objects, and mitigate environmental risks.
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.
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.
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.
Kevin Milner, a research geophysicist at the USGS Geologic Hazards Science Center, has been awarded the Seismological Society of America's Charles F. Richter Early Career Award for his innovative work in seismic hazard analysis modeling and earthquake forecasting.
Lisa Wald, a renowned USGS scientist, has been honored by the Seismological Society of America for creating the Earthquake Hazards Program's information hub. Her groundbreaking work made a wealth of earthquake information accessible to everyone, from the general public to seismologists and governments.
Ruth Harris has made outstanding contributions to the Seismological Society of America through her drive to create student presentation awards and support open access options. Her active participation in numerous committees has benefited nearly every SSA committee.
The SSA will hold its annual meeting in Pasadena, California, featuring 53 technical sessions on topics such as earthquake early warning, seismic swarms, and nuclear explosion forensics. Working journalists can register to attend at no charge, gaining full access to presentations, poster sessions, and plenary talks.
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.
A recent Science study analyzing seismic data reveals a series of eastward-propagating M>5 events along the Main Marmara Fault over the last ~15 years. This finding highlights the need for continuous monitoring to assess the potential impact of a large quake on Istanbul's 18 million inhabitants.
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.
New research using earthquake and satellite data reveals the Iberian Peninsula is rotating clockwise due to collision between Eurasia and Africa plates. The study provides insights into geodynamic processes and deformation fields in the region.
Sánz-Sesma's work on seismic wave propagation has made a significant impact on seismic hazard assessment and earthquake engineering. His research integrates theoretical rigor, numerical modeling, and empirical observation to advance our understanding of seismic wave phenomena.
Researchers studying seismic signals from Alaska's Prince William Sound have identified unusual impulsive events that increase in rate from summer to winter, before coming to an abrupt halt. These events may be linked to water freezing and thawing within rock cracks beneath nearby Cascade Glacier.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at University of Alaska Fairbanks used seismic data to identify aircraft types by analyzing frequency imprints from sound waves. The method involves removing Doppler effect and creating a frequency comb, which is then matched with a catalog of aircraft frequency patterns.
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.
Hongfeng Yang has been appointed as the first deputy editor-in-chief of Seismological Research Letters (SRL), a journal published by the Seismological Society of America. Yang brings over a decade of editorial experience and fresh ideas to promote SRL's growth.
Researchers used seismic sensors to identify the type of aircraft flying over Alaska, determining flight parameters and source frequencies. The study collected data from hundreds of flights, distinguishing between piston, turboprop, jet, and helicopter aircraft.
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.
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.
Tulane researchers discovered that an area of the African tectonic plate, previously thought to be weak, is now resisting deformation due to dehydration 80 million years ago. This process strengthened the plate and made it more resistant to future breakup.
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.
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.
A University of Utah geologist used earthquake-monitoring tools to analyze how towering saguaro cacti respond to wind and ground motion without harm. The study found that saguaros' resonance frequencies vary widely across their height, with stiffness near the bottom and flexibility at the top.
Scientists have detected tremor signals at the Oldoinyo Lengai volcano in Tanzania, revealing details about magma movement and volcanic activity. The findings provide valuable insights into the dynamics of magma movement and offer a step forward for volcano seismology.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mizzou researchers have discovered a way to 'listen' to molecules moving faster than the speed of sound, using photoacoustic spectroscopy. This technique could help unravel mysteries of astrochemistry and offer clues about the universe's composition, star formation, and life origins.
Researchers used a Taylor Swift concert as a unique opportunity to study seismic activity and engage the public in science. The 'SwiftQuake' was detected more than 100km away from the stadium, showcasing how cultural events can enhance scientific understanding.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have characterized low-frequency signals from breaking ocean waves, which can be used to monitor sea conditions. The team developed a method for identifying the acoustic and seismic signatures of breaking waves and located their sources along the coast.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding post-seismic velocity changes by studying the effects of friction at grain contacts. The team found that contact sliding and aging are responsible for these time-dependent changes in wave velocities.
New research finds Mars' mantle preserves a record of its violent beginnings, with chunky layers containing ancient fragments up to 4km wide. This discovery offers a rare glimpse into the evolution of rocky planets and challenges current understanding of planetary formation.
The magnitude 7.7 Myanmar earthquake had the highest recorded rupture velocity, exceeding 5.3 km/s, a phenomenon known as supershear propagation. This was confirmed by analysis of satellite images and seismic station recordings.
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.
Researchers have discovered that low-velocity zones beneath subducting tectonic plates are caused by partial melts generated from upwelling water-rich mantle material. These melt pockets rise through the mantle, creating a global water-recycling loop and lubricating plate motion.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers successfully used seismic signals to detect the re-entry of a Hayabusa2 sample capsule and compare it with signals from natural meteoroids. The study found that intact objects had a distinct seismic signature compared to fragmented ones, providing valuable information on planetary defense strategies.
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.
A recent large earthquake in Myanmar was recorded on CCTV camera footage, capturing the first direct visual evidence of curved fault slip. The video analysis revealed that the fault slipped 2.5 meters over 1.3 seconds, with a peak velocity of 3.2 meters per second, confirming previous inferences made from seismic waveforms.
Researchers analyzed seismic data to conclude that the 2025 Myanmar earthquake ruptured at supershear velocity, reaching speeds of up to 6 kilometers per second. The rupture occurred along a 480-kilometer stretch of the Sagaing Fault, causing significant damage and loss of life in Myanmar and neighboring countries.
An international team of researchers proposes that a meteorite impact just west of Winslow, Arizona, created Meteor Crater and triggered a massive landslide in the Grand Canyon. The study found evidence of a paleolake forming at the same time, with driftwood dating back to around 55,000 years.
Researchers have identified a previously unrecognized source of seismic hazard for the Yukon Territory, finding evidence of multiple large earthquakes on the Tintina fault in recent geologic history. The team's findings confirm that the fault continues to accumulate strain, posing a future earthquake threat with potential magnitudes ex...
Researchers analyzed seismic waveform data to reveal a complex source process with multiple rupture episodes. The study found that the earthquake exhibited unconventional rupture behavior, with asymmetric ruptures propagating in both north and south directions.