M 7.5, central New Guinea, PNG

  • Thread starter davenn
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In summary, a very large earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 occurred in Papua New Guinea, triggering aftershocks and registering on multiple seismographs. The event showed a bi-lateral rupture sequence, indicating a thrust fault motion and aligning with the plate motion arrows. The Highlands Fold and Thrust Belt in the southern edge of the mountains was also affected. Aftershocks, including a M5.8 and 6.0, continued to occur, with a live seismograph recording the activity.
  • #1
davenn
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very large event had my seismometer hitting the stops for some time

zhi.gif


and the low gain channel so things could be seen more clearly

zlo1.gif
Location map with aftershocks

upload_2018-2-26_11-50-27.png
USGS Data for the event

M 7.5 - 89km SSW of Porgera, Papua New Guinea
Time: 2018-02-25 17:44:44 (UTC)
Location: 6.149°S 142.766°E
Depth: 35.0 km

Dave
 

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Holy smokes!
 
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An update as the aftershocks continue to roll in the two largest ones have been a 6.0 and a 6.3
As can be seen on the updated even map below, the events stretch out in a line. With the main 7.5 shock located roughly in the middle of the events it shows a really nice bi-lateral rupture sequence ( where the fault ruptures in both directions along the fault line)

upload_2018-2-27_8-9-43.png


This line is the front of a large fold and thrust fault zone (Highlands Fold and Thrust Belt) along the southern edge of the mountains.

upload_2018-2-27_8-24-46.png
The moment tensor data clearly shows a thrust fault motion for this event
with the dip-slip to the north east and this agrees with the plate motion arrows in the previous map
The amount of plate motion is indicated by the length of those arrows and for the area of the quake, the convergence is around 50mm / year

upload_2018-2-27_8-28-3.png
Fault motions and "beach balls"
The 3rd one down relates to the thrust motion of this 7.5 quake
focalmechs.png

cheers
Dave
 

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What was the magnitude of the earthquake in central New Guinea, PNG?

The earthquake that occurred in central New Guinea, PNG had a magnitude of 7.5 on the Richter scale.

Where exactly did the earthquake take place?

The epicenter of the earthquake was located in central New Guinea, PNG.

What caused the earthquake in central New Guinea, PNG?

The earthquake in central New Guinea, PNG was caused by the movement of tectonic plates along a fault line in the Earth's crust.

Were there any casualties or damage from the earthquake?

There have been reports of casualties and damage from the earthquake in central New Guinea, PNG, but the extent is still being assessed.

Is there a risk of aftershocks following the earthquake?

Yes, there is a risk of aftershocks following the earthquake in central New Guinea, PNG. It is important for residents in the area to monitor updates from local authorities and be prepared for potential aftershocks.

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