WOW - Strong Earthquake in the Gulf of Mexico

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a recent 6.0 magnitude earthquake in the Gulf of Mexico, which participants note is a rare occurrence. The conversation explores the implications of this event, its geological context, and comparisons to other seismic activities, particularly in relation to tectonic plate interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express surprise at the rarity of a 6.0 magnitude earthquake in the Gulf of Mexico, noting its shallow depth could raise concerns for tsunamis if the magnitude were higher.
  • Others argue that while the earthquake is classified as 'strong' by USGS, it is not significant in terms of causing damage, especially since it occurred offshore and not near populated areas.
  • A participant mentions that the region lacks known fault lines, suggesting that the earthquake may be a result of midplate stresses rather than typical fault line activity.
  • There is a reference to a previous earthquake of magnitude 5.2 in the same location, indicating that seismic activity in this area may not be entirely unprecedented.
  • Some participants speculate about the potential for future seismic activity in the Gulf and its possible connections to earthquakes occurring along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of such earthquakes for coastal regions, particularly regarding tsunami risks, alongside a humorous suggestion about investing in property further inland.
  • One participant clarifies that they were referring specifically to the rarity of a magnitude 6 earthquake, distinguishing it from the previously mentioned 5.2 magnitude event.
  • Discussion includes observations about the frequency of smaller earthquakes in other regions, such as Puerto Rico and along the West Coast of the U.S., contrasting them with the infrequency of larger quakes in the Gulf.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the earthquake is unusual for the Gulf of Mexico, but there are competing views regarding its significance and implications. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the potential for future seismic activity in the area and its relationship to broader tectonic movements.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of established fault lines in the Gulf region and the unusual nature of the earthquake's location, which may influence interpretations of its significance. There is also uncertainty about the relationship between this event and other seismic activities globally.

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WOW! - a strong earthquake in the Gulf of Mexico! That is rather rare!

6.0 (Strong) - http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/usslav.php
Sunday, September 10, 2006 at 14:56:07 (UTC) = Coordinated Universal Time
Sunday, September 10, 2006 at 8:56:07 AM = local time at epicenter

Location: 26.327°N, 86.571°W
Depth: 10 km (6.2 miles) - shallow enough to cause concern for tsunamis if the earthquake magnitude was in the 7+ range.

Distances:
403 km (250 miles) WSW (251°) from Anna Maria, FL
404 km (251 miles) WSW (252°) from Holmes Beach, FL
404 km (251 miles) WSW (253°) from Bradenton Beach, FL
419 km (260 miles) WSW (245°) from Clearwater, FL
530 km (330 miles) SE (139°) from New Orleans, LA
 
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Astronuc said:
WOW! - a strong earthquake in the Gulf of Mexico! That is rather rare!

6.0 (Strong) - http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/usslav.php
Sunday, September 10, 2006 at 14:56:07 (UTC) = Coordinated Universal Time
Sunday, September 10, 2006 at 8:56:07 AM = local time at epicenter

Location: 26.327°N, 86.571°W
Depth: 10 km (6.2 miles) - shallow enough to cause concern for tsunamis if the earthquake magnitude was in the 7+ range.

Distances:
403 km (250 miles) WSW (251°) from Anna Maria, FL
404 km (251 miles) WSW (252°) from Holmes Beach, FL
404 km (251 miles) WSW (253°) from Bradenton Beach, FL
419 km (260 miles) WSW (245°) from Clearwater, FL
530 km (330 miles) SE (139°) from New Orleans, LA
Bah, wimps. Thats not a strong quake. *lacking appropriate 'skeptic' smiley here...*

edit: Rare, but hardly unprecedented. Even Missouri has had a few major ones over the eons.
 
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Yeah, it was wimpy, but because of the rarity it can be noted.

In guam we had some bad earthquakes in the past.
 
'Strong' is the term USGS uses in its scale (6.0-6.99). It's not significant out at sea. It would have been significant if it had been a populated area, or if it had been large enough, e.g. mag 8 to cause tsunami. People along the coast probably would not receive warnings to evacuate places like Tampa, Mobile, and other coastal cities.

It is wimpy, but one that size is exceedingly rare in the Gulf, and there is no fault lines, or at least not discovered, there. Plus the fact that it was relatively shallow.

From an AP article -
The epicenter is an unusual location for earthquake activity, but scientists recorded a magnitude 5.2 temblor in the same location on Feb. 10.

"This kind of occurrence is unusual in that spot, especially for an earthquake of this size," Blakeman said of Sunday's quake.

The temblor was unusual because it was not centered on a known fault line. The "midplate" earthquake, deep under the gulf, was probably the result of stresses generated by the interaction of tectonic plates in the Earth's crust, the agency said.

Only one of Florida's rare earthquakes caused significant damage. In January 1879, St. Augustine residents reported heavy shaking that knocked plaster off the walls.

A more recent temblor, in November 1952, . . .

Interesting to see if this is a one time event, or if seismic activity will be developing in the area.
 
Astronuc said:
Interesting to see if this is a one time event, or if seismic activity will be developing in the area.
I guess it's already not a one time event, since another happened in February.

I don't really know much about plate tectonics and earthquakes...could this have anything to do with the earthquakes in the Pacific (or somewhere else) that did occur along fault lines? I'm thinking something like a rumbling along the plate as a consequence of shifted edges? Like, if you take a sheet of metal and push one side in and hold the others fixed, the middle pops up or down to accommodate the shift at the edge.

As if the Gulf coast doesn't have enough trouble with hurricane storm surges, now they have to start worrying about the possibility of tsunamis if this continues to occur?! I think I'm going to stake out my future beach front property in Arkansas before the prices go up. :biggrin:
 
By one time event, I was referring to Mag 6. The other was a mag 5.2, but I don't know exactly where, or how deep.

The earthquakes on the 'Ring of Fire' (various tectonic intersections and subduction zones) are pretty regular, and the one in the Gulf is pretty isolated. I suppose there will be some investigation, especially if there is another similar or stronger earthquake.

There are small (2-4 mag) earthquakes around Puerto Rico all the time - essentially daily. There are small earthquakes in the US (48 continguous states) periodically, but it's rare to see a mag 6 or greater in the US. They are likely on the San Andreas fault, Pacific NW, Hawaii and Alaska, but still uncommon.
 
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