Articles tagged with Seismology
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake in January's Iniskin event shook the Cook Inlet region of Alaska, prompting seismologists to revise their estimates of intermediate-depth earthquakes in the area. The quake's unusual depth of 123 km below the surface resulted in minimal damage, but could affect future hazard risk estimates in southern Alaska.
A comprehensive analysis suggests that a series of Texas earthquakes, including a 4.8 magnitude event in 2012, could be caused by wastewater injection. However, the study emphasizes the need for high-quality subsurface data to confirm this finding.
Scientists have found that the North Anatolian Fault Zone can produce mega earthquakes of magnitude M8 exclusively in the east. In contrast, northwestern Turkey, including Istanbul, is not expected to experience such large earthquakes exceeding M7.5. The study suggests that the eastern region's older age and mature fault zone contribut...
Researchers studying a massive crack in the ground near Menominee, Michigan, have discovered it's likely a rare geological phenomenon known as a 'pop-up' feature. The team used seismic refraction techniques to confirm the formation of the feature, which is believed to be caused by stress in ancient limestone rock.
A team of Penn State researchers is monitoring Nicaragua's Momotombo volcano with a $40,000 NSF grant. They're using GPS, seismometers and other equipment to track ground deformation, seismic activity and lava composition to predict potential eruptions and hazards.
Roger D. Borcherdt receives the 2016 Bruce A. Bolt Medal for his exceptional contributions to seismology and engineering seismology, including pioneering site-response studies and theoretical solutions for wave propagation problems.
Geologists have discovered a unique landform in the Wabash River Valley that was formed by erosion from melting glacier floodwaters. The finding provides insight into how floodwaters may behave as glaciers continue to melt today, with potential effects on surrounding landscapes.
Scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory developed a new method to detect underground nuclear explosions by coupling seismic models with gas-flow models. The research improves the accuracy of predicting radionuclide gas transport through fracture networks, enabling better detection and concentration of gases.
Icequakes in Arctic glaciers may help predict future ice flow and sea level rise. New research finds that the Sabatier process can create life at cooler temperatures than previously thought.
Walter J. Arabasz received the Frank Press Public Service Award for his public service in modernizing seismic monitoring in the US. He led the development of Utah's regional seismic network and played a key role in informing state seismic safety policies.
Scientists have found that maximum observed earthquake magnitudes on transform faults generally scale with offset across the faults, but for some earthquakes, a larger coseismic stress drop occurs. This study contributes to developing refined building codes and risk mitigation concepts along major transform faults.
Scientists warn that seismic surveys may cause behavioural changes and physical harm to turtles, including auditory damage and entanglement in gear. Researchers call for more research to address knowledge gaps and propose preventative measures to minimize the impact of seismic surveys on marine turtle populations.
Scientists have observed unusual seismic wave speeds that suggest the frozen olivine structure within the flat-slab slab has vanished and been replaced by a new unexpected structure. This implies that slabs are weak enough to deform internally in the upper mantle over time.
Researchers found that a deep-seated slab beneath Peru's Nazca Plate deforms easily during subduction, weakening its internal structure. The study sheds new light on the behavior of oceanic slabs in the Earth's interior.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have discovered a previously undetected earthquake that occurred just 12 seconds after a magnitude 7 earthquake in Chile. The 'closely-spaced doublet' increases the risk of larger-than-expected tsunamis, complicating tsunami early warning systems.
A recent study has successfully detected dust devils using a seismometer in California, which will help NASA's InSight mission on Mars measure dust devils' impact on the atmosphere. The findings also provide insights into Martian climate and the composition of rocks and dust.
A study published in Seismological Research Letters found that the 2015 Nepal earthquake produced less damage than expected, with researchers attributing this to the Kathmandu valley's ancient lake bed sediments. The shaking was reportedly amplified by these sediments for small and moderate earthquakes, but not as much for larger ones.
Researchers discovered that the amount of gas produced in small underground chemical explosions can affect seismic wave patterns, particularly low-frequency P waves. This finding may improve the use of these explosions to study nuclear detonations and detect gas releases in explosion.
A new study published in Marine and Petroleum Geology has established a national baseline for earthquakes caused by human activity in the UK. Since 1999, an average of at least three onshore earthquakes per year with local magnitude greater than or equal to 1.5 have been linked to anthropogenic activities.
Experts call for new international standards and mitigation strategies to minimize the impact of seismic surveys on vulnerable marine life. The proposed measures aim to reduce risks from sound pollution, protect important habitats, and promote coordinated planning across industries and nations.
A team of German scientists challenges the theory that a large mantle plume played a dominant role in the break-up of the super-continent Gondwana. Seismic measurements reveal that the impact of the mantle plume on the continental crust is surprisingly small.
The study provides the first complete account of the Gorkha earthquake's physical process, revealing a contained rupture at depth. The findings suggest that while the earthquake did not cause widespread destruction, it increased stress on an adjacent portion of the fault, potentially leading to future earthquakes.
The Geological Society of America (GSA) and its partners have awarded funding to support 25 undergraduate and graduate students attending the SACNAS and GSA national conferences in November 2015. The students will gain knowledge, access to peers and colleagues, and career opportunities through networking and mentoring experiences.
A new study found that Beijing's physical area quadrupled between 2000 and 2009, highlighting the rapid growth of urban infrastructure. Meanwhile, earthquake experts have made progress in resolving scientific debates through collaborative research.
A team of geologists measured and simulated a complete seismic cycle at Isla Santa María, Chile, revealing a 10-20% permanent vertical uplift. The cycle was triggered by the 1835 earthquake, which caused an initial uplift of 2-3 meters.
A new study finds that wastewater injection rate is the strongest trigger for induced quakes, with high-rate wells nearly twice as likely to cause earthquakes. The research analyzed public data on operational wells across the US and discovered a strong correlation between injection rate and induced seismicity.
Researchers studied the western Grand Canyon and found that it must be younger than a fault slip that occurred 18 to 12 million years ago. The data also suggest that the notion of the canyon starting to erode about six million years ago is still the best scientific idea for its age.
A new tool uses seismic signals to estimate the energy released by military ordnance, mining events, industrial accidents, plane crashes, and terrorist attacks. The method can calculate yields for explosions hundreds or thousands of kilometers away from a seismic station.
Researchers created a method to determine source characteristics of near-earth surface explosions using seismic stations in Turkey. They found the Syrian tunnel bomb blast was likely around 40 tons, contradicting initial claims of 60 tons. The technique serves as a forensic tool for investigators and governmental agencies.
Researchers found that external noises can induce volcanic activity by inducing stick-slip behavior, causing large-amplitude oscillations and high seismicity. The study used experimental data from Mount St. Helen's eruption to demonstrate the link between noise intensity and drumbeat-type plug movement.
Scientists are continuing their research in the Himalayas to understand the seismic hazard along the Himalayan Frontal Thrust Fault. The team is searching for ground ruptures that may help quantify the potential for additional earthquakes in the magnitude 8 or 9 range after a devastating earthquake hit Nepal.
A recent study by Kristin Morell and colleagues reveals the Himalayan Front's central seismic gap is overdue for a major earthquake. The researchers used geomorphic and erosion rate data to define the active detachment fault likely to host a large earthquake, pinpointing a distinctive physiographic transition in Uttarakhand, India.
The study focuses on improving seismic monitoring data transmission speed and reducing response time to provide timely warnings for the region. Key findings include increasing station coverage, particularly in urban areas like Portland, Oregon, and strategically placing coastal stations to mitigate megathrust fault earthquakes.
Research suggests Catalina Island is sinking approximately one foot every thousand years, disappearing in three million years. The island's subsidence may pose a small tsunami risk for Los Angeles if landslides occur along active faults.
The 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake was measured directly from space 450 kilometers above the planet's surface. The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites captured the significant ionospheric signature produced by the quake's infrasonic wave output.
Researchers use geological features to predict seismic activity in regions with low historical earthquake records. Experts warn that even seemingly quiet areas can harbor significant quake risks, highlighting the need for increased preparedness and monitoring.
A new study suggests that the Garlock fault in southern California experiences 'super-cycle' changes in strain over thousand-year timescales, leading to clustered earthquakes. The findings indicate a potential large-scale coordination of earthquakes along a single fault system.
The study found that both faults are connected, allowing for a rupture to propagate across them, resulting in a significantly more destructive earthquake. The team used satellite data to map ground deformation and measure creep along the southern end of the Hayward Fault.
Researchers analyzed seabed samples off the coast of Turkey and found six large earthquakes in the area between 136 and 1896 AD. The study assigns past earthquakes to specific segments of the North Anatolian Fault, shedding light on the recurrence rate of earthquakes near Istanbul.
John Anderson's work has contributed to the development of strong-motion earthquake data networks globally, including Mexico, Turkey, Los Angeles, and Eastern U.S. His research on seismic hazard assessment and ground-motion prediction equations has also informed policy for improved seismic safety.
A study analyzing Napa quake damage found that pre-1950 buildings in the sedimentary basin suffered the most severe shaking. The West Napa fault system, a lesser-known fault, triggered extensive damage to residential and commercial buildings.
Researchers studied stress fields along the San Andreas fault at the microscopic scale, revealing heterogeneous and high-stress areas in rock samples. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of earthquake events and advance seismicity research.
A Wayne State University assistant professor has received a $520,000 NSF CAREER Award to investigate the causes of seismic anisotropy. The research aims to improve our understanding of Earth materials and their impact on seismic waves.
Case Western Reserve University researcher Michael Pollino developed a computer model that suggests optimal sizes for 'rocking steel-braced frames' to dissipate seismic energy. These designs could provide better earthquake resilience and repairability, potentially reducing costs.
A recent study found that earthquake activity near injection wells in the Williston Basin is scarce compared to Texas, where similar activities have been linked to increased seismicity. The study's authors attribute this difference to regional variations in geology and injection practices.
Researchers document fault rocks surrounding New Zealand's active Alpine Fault, recording slip rates and influencing earthquake processes. The study provides insights into the complex fault rock sequence resulting from past earthquakes, with potential applications for realistic ground shaking predictions.
Seismic investigations reveal extreme mantle perturbation and crust-mantle interaction in Eastern China's Qinling-Dabie-Sulu orogenic belt. The region was affected by compressional deformation due to collision between North and South China blocks.
Researchers linked hydraulic fracturing to a rare felt earthquake in Poland Township, Ohio, revealing previously unknown faults. The study suggests that a relatively small portion of the operation is responsible for seismic activity.
Researchers at UMass Amherst produce a new model of the Coachella Valley faults, capturing more geometric complexity than previous models. The study yields an estimated 10% increase in shaking overall for the Coachella segment, but decreased shaking for towns to the west of the fault.
SMU seismologist Brian Stump has been recognized as an AAAS Fellow for his groundbreaking work on seismic monitoring and its significance in enforcing the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. His research has significantly improved scientists' ability to distinguish between earthquakes, conventional explosions, and nuclear tests.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown dense rock structure in the Earth's crust beneath Chile, influencing the size of a massive earthquake. The structure played a key role in slowing down the rupture, generating stronger shaking at the surface.
Researchers found a horizontally layered magma reservoir beneath the Toba caldera, composed of numerous intrusions with molten material. This discovery sheds light on the accumulation and eruption mechanisms of super-volcanoes, which occur every few hundred thousand years.
Dr. James Davis is being honored by the geoscience community for his work in advancing earthquake hazards preparedness and mitigation in the US. He has helped shape how geoscientists communicate with the public about seismic environments, and has been instrumental in implementing the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act in California.
A $1.2 million grant will support the creation of a real-time seismic imaging system that uses ambient noise to image shallow earth structures, such as those beneath Yellowstone National Park. The technology has the potential to inform homeowners about subsurface stability and detect natural hazards like volcanoes in real-time.
New research provides estimates for probable maximum magnitude events in subduction zones for various time periods, including 250, 500 and 10,000 years. Most subduction zones can generate M 8.5 or greater over a 250-return period; M 8.8 or greater over 500 years; and M 9.0 or greater over 10,000 years.
Researchers from MIT and Turkey analyzed 20 years of GPS data to predict a major earthquake near Istanbul. The analysis suggests that the next large earthquake will occur along a seismic gap beneath the Sea of Marmara, west of Istanbul.
Researchers analyzed near-real-time data from the April 1 earthquake in Iquique, Chile, and found that it occurred on a fault gap not ruptured since 1877. The study suggests that while the current stress was not released during the quake, it leaves open the possibility of another significant event.
A long-lasting foreshock series in northern Chile controlled the rupture process of a magnitude 8.1 earthquake, which occurred in a region where the two colliding tectonic plates were partly locked. The study suggests that the unbroken regions north and south may break in separate smaller earthquakes.
The Lucinidae family's symbiotic relationship with seagrasses dates back to the Cretaceous period, allowing them to thrive in oxygen-poor environments. This unique partnership provided a rich supply of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, which the bivalves consumed and seagrasses benefited from the uptake of toxic sulfide.
Scripps scientists find evidence of super-fast deep earthquakes that rupture at depths of over 400 km, offering new clues about the forces behind these events. This discovery provides insights into fast-breaking earthquakes near Earth's surface.