Mag 7.1 Earthquake Near Taiwan

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In summary: In summary, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake occurred 90 km (55 miles) south of Kao-hsiung, Taiwan and 795 km (495 miles) north of Manila, Philippines. There are no reports of damage or casualties at this time, but this earthquake may have caused damage due to its location and size.
  • #1
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The following is a release by the United States Geological Survey, National Earthquake Information Center: A major earthquake occurred 90 km (55 miles) SSE of Kao-hsiung, Taiwan and 795 km (495 miles) N of MANILA, Philippines at 6:26 AM MDT, Dec 26, 2006 (8:26 PM local time in Taiwan). The magnitude and location may be revised when additional data and further analysis results are available. No reports of damage or casualties have been received at this time; however, this earthquake may have caused damage due to its location and size.

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/eqinthenews/2006/uswtai/

This is where I spotted the news...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11100901/
 
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  • #2
The 7.1 mag earthquake was preceeded by a 7.0 earthquake also nearby.
http://earthquakes.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/uswtan.php

They are only 13 mi (32 km) apart and separated in time by 8 minutes. They are sufficiently shallow to cause tsunamis, but a lot depends on the degree of vertical motion of the sea floor, as opposed to lateral motion.

They come two years to the day of the 9.1 mag earthquake off western Sumatra (Aceh), Indonesia.
 
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  • #3
...and you can imagine that today's anniversary was on everyone's minds as the quake hit.
 
  • #4
...
What is it with Christmas and Earthquakes lately?
 
  • #5
Earthquakes occur every day in different parts of the world.

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsanim/world.php - provides the last 7 days by hour. It is purely coincidental that two major earthquakes just happen to follow Christmas this year, as was the 9.1 mag of Sumatra on Dec. 26, 2004.

Looking at - http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/world/10_largest_world.php

7 of the 12 largest earthquakes in the world since 1900 occurred between the end of January to end of March. This is the time between Winter Solstice and Vernal Equinox in the norther hemisphere. Earth's perihelion with the sun occurs generally during the first week of January, and that should be the peak of the sun's gravitational (tidal) effect on the earth, and then there is the effect of the moon in conjunction with the sun.
 
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  • #6

1. What is the cause of the magnitude 7.1 earthquake near Taiwan?

The magnitude 7.1 earthquake near Taiwan was caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. Specifically, it was a result of the Philippine Sea Plate subducting beneath the Eurasian Plate.

2. How strong was the earthquake and what does the magnitude number mean?

The earthquake was measured at a magnitude of 7.1 on the Richter scale. This number indicates the energy released by the earthquake and is calculated based on the amplitude of the seismic waves recorded by seismographs. Each increase in magnitude of 1 represents a tenfold increase in the strength of the earthquake.

3. Was there any damage or casualties caused by the earthquake?

At this time, there have been no reports of major damage or casualties caused by the earthquake. However, earthquakes of this magnitude have the potential to cause significant damage and it is important for residents in the affected area to take precautions and follow any evacuation orders.

4. Is this earthquake related to any recent seismic activity in the region?

It is not uncommon for earthquakes to occur in clusters or swarms, meaning there may be multiple earthquakes in a relatively short period of time in a specific region. However, it is too early to determine if this earthquake is related to any recent seismic activity in the area.

5. Are there any potential aftershocks that may follow this earthquake?

It is possible for aftershocks to occur following a large earthquake like this one near Taiwan. These aftershocks can vary in magnitude, but typically decrease in strength over time. It is important for residents to stay informed and be prepared for potential aftershocks.

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