Not Another, Gosh: Vanuatu hit by large quake

  • Thread starter StevieTNZ
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In summary: Hi there,Yes, Vanuatu is definitely seeing a lot of activity lately. There have been a number of major earthquakes recently, including a magnitude-7.0 quake that hit just a few minutes ago. This is the largest earthquake to hit the island nation in a few years, and it's possible that there may be a tsunami as a result.
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StevieTNZ
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  • #2
Ugh . . . large magnitude earthquakes are becoming more and more common.
 
  • #3
As our detection technology gets better and as our population (and therefore technologists) become more numerous, it does seem as if things once uncommon are now appearing more frequently. However, a quick look at the stats usually dispels this feeling. And, of course, we do have flurries of activity at almost every level.
 
  • #4
True, but you don't need detection technology to notice a 7.0 magnitude earthquake :) Just sayin'.

I get what you're saying, though.
 
  • #5
ProfuselyQuarky said:
Ugh . . . large magnitude earthquakes are becoming more and more common.

no they are not ... the yearly averages haven't changed in the last 100 or so years

ON avg. there are around 18 x M7.0 - 7.9 events each year, that equals 1 event in that range every 21 days
for M 8.0 and greater 1 per year. Some years see 2 x M8+ events other years there are noneDave
 
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StevieTNZ said:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/79430986/vanuatu-hit-by-large-quake

Happened ~30 mins ago, so information still coming in.

Hi Stevie

Yup, the Vanuatu area is keeping its name as a very seismically active region
This latest M 7.0 was onshore in the centre of the Island Archipelago, and this meant that a tsunami was unlikely

The distance from recent large events to the north of this one make it a new separate event rather than an aftershock.

2016-04 Vanuatu Event 2.JPG
cheers
Dave
 
  • #8
Connecting the dots, is this a fault line?
 
  • #9
MRBlizzard said:
Connecting the dots, is this a fault line?

Hi there

not in this case, the events ... main shock and aftershock events are actually showing the direction that the fault line dips at

The main fault line, that is, the plate boundary, is shown by the red line running roughly north - south in the above pic
This region is a subduction zone with seafloor west ( left) of that red line, diving down under the seafloor/land to the east (right) of the line

so in cross-section we see something like this ...
( a very quick and rough drawing) not to scale but will give you the idea :smile:
subduction.GIF


The black dots being the quakes
cheers
Dave
 
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1. What caused the large quake in Vanuatu?

The large quake in Vanuatu was caused by the movement of tectonic plates along a fault line. Vanuatu is located in a region known as the "Ring of Fire" where several tectonic plates meet and can cause frequent seismic activity.

2. How strong was the quake?

The quake in Vanuatu was initially reported as a magnitude 6.1, but was later downgraded to a magnitude 5.9. This is considered a moderate earthquake on the Richter scale, and can cause some damage to buildings and infrastructure.

3. Were there any casualties or damage?

As of now, there have been no reports of casualties or major damage from the quake in Vanuatu. However, it is still important for authorities to assess the situation and for people to follow safety protocols in case of any aftershocks.

4. Is this quake a sign of a larger one to come?

It is impossible to predict if this quake is a precursor to a larger one. However, it is important for people in the affected region to remain vigilant and follow any evacuation or safety protocols advised by authorities.

5. How can we prepare for future earthquakes in Vanuatu?

There are several things that can be done to prepare for future earthquakes in Vanuatu. These include creating emergency plans, securing furniture and objects in homes and buildings, and educating oneself and others on earthquake safety and response procedures.

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