7.8 Mag Earthquake, Khash, Iran

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A significant 7.8 magnitude earthquake has occurred near the Iran-Pakistan border, primarily involving the interaction between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This seismic event coincides with numerous moderate earthquakes (magnitude 5 and 6) along the junction of the Australian, Asian, and Pacific plates. Fortunately, the earthquake's depth of 50 miles has resulted in relatively light damage and few casualties, although there are concerns about potential damage in Pakistan, particularly in the region's numerous mud-brick houses. Reports indicate that rock slides are common in mountainous areas following such quakes. Additionally, a separate 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the northern coast of Japan, but it is not expected to cause damage or trigger tsunami warnings. Overall, the region is experiencing heightened seismic activity, particularly along the eastern Tethyan Metallogenic Belt.
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A large earthquake (7.8) has been reported on the border region in Iran near the border with Pakistan's Balochistan province.

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/usb000g7x7#summary

This is coincident with a number of mag 5 and 6 earthquakes along the junction of the Australian and Asian and Pacific plates, but the Iranian earthquake seems to be an interaction between the Indian and Eurasian plates. It would appear that the Australian plate is also pushing a little stronger into the Indian, Asian and Pacific plates.

http://www.learner.org/interactives/dynamicearth/plate.html
 
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berkeman said:
Looks like the damage is fairly light, and there have only been a few casualties:
There could be more on the Pakistan side. According to this there are about 1700 villages of mud-brick houses in the area, likely to have collapsed roofs. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22168202 (includes an amateur video clip).
 
Only just recorded the 7.8 on my seismo, relatively low amplitude, its still visible ~ 1/2 way down the screen the distance, depth and orientation means it wasnt well recorded by my system

But there was also a Mw6.6 - nth coast of New Guinea, PNG, within the last hour that is visible at the bottom of the trace http://www.sydneystormcity.com/sydln.gif

cheers
Dave
 
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Yikes! I didn't know about this, but thanks for letting us know!

Any updates regarding the earthquake?
 
TOKYO (AP) — A 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck in seas off far northern Japan and far eastern Russia on Friday, but no damage was expected.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said sea changes were possible. No tsunami warnings have been issued.

The tremor struck around midday in the Pacific Ocean at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). The U.S. Geological Survey measured a stronger 7.2 magnitude.

. . .
http://news.yahoo.com/7-0-quake-hits-ocean-off-japan-russia-041558677.html

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/usb000gbf8#summary
 

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