Mexico Shakes Again: Today's Recorded Earthquakes on June 3rd
An earthquake or tremor is a sudden, violent movement of the Earth's surface caused by the rapid release of energy stored within the Earth. The movement of tectonic plates is the most common cause of this natural phenomenon, especially in regions with faults, such as the West Coast of the United States, which falls within the Pacific Ring of Fire. This area includes seismically active zones like the Cascadia Subduction Zone, the San Andreas Fault, the New Madrid Seismic Zone, and the East Tennessee Seismic Zone.
12:00 | Where can a tremor occur in the United States?
The United States has several seismically active regions. The west coast, being part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, is the most prone to experiencing earthquakes. California, Alaska, and Hawaii are the states with the highest risk, with cities such as San Jose, Vallejo, and San Diego in California being particularly vulnerable due to their geological faults.
However, the central states, including parts of five states within the New Madrid Seismic Zone, can also be affected by this natural phenomenon due to their mountainous areas. It's worth noting that almost 75% of the U.S. territory could experience damaging earthquakes in the future, with Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York, and Boston among those at risk.
11:55 | Strongest earthquake in history
The strongest earthquake ever recorded struck Valdivia, Chile on May 22, 1960, reaching a magnitude of 9.5 on the Richter scale. The earthquake triggered volcanic eruptions and a tsunami that affected coastal cities, reaching as far as Japan, Hawaii, and the Philippines, leaving at least 2,000 fatalities and affecting 2 million people.
11:25 | Differences between earthquake, tremor, and tremor
These terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a slight difference in their application. "Earthquake" refers to any movement on the Earth's crust, regardless of its intensity or consequences. On the other hand, a "tremor" or "trembling" denotes a slight movement that does not cause damage, while an "earthquake" has greater magnitude and can cause destruction and casualties.
11:00 | What to do during an earthquake in a car
The National Seismic Prevention Institute recommends stopping the vehicle and exiting it to a safe location away from buildings, trees, and power poles during an earthquake.
10:55 | What causes an earthquake
An earthquake is caused by the sudden release of energy stored within the Earth due to the movements of tectonic plates. The friction between these plates generates immense tension that, when released, produces massive vibrations known as seismic waves. These waves travel through the Earth's crust and reach the surface, causing the shaking felt during an earthquake.
09:55 | Where is a tremor more likely to happen in the United States?
The West Coast of the United States, particularly California, Alaska, and Hawaii, are the areas most at risk for earthquakes due to their proximity to the Pacific Ring of Fire. However, the New Madrid Seismic Zone in the central United States, covering parts of five states including Western Kentucky, is the most active seismic area in the Eastern U.S.
09:25 | The Pacific Ring of Fire
The Pacific Ring of Fire, also known as the Circum-Pacific Belt, is a major seismically and volcanically active region that encircles the Pacific Ocean. It spans over 25,000 miles, encompassing the West Coast of the United States, Japan, the Philippines, Russia, New Zealand, and other Pacific islands. The majority of the world's earthquakes and active volcanoes occur within the Pacific Ring of Fire due to its location along the boundaries of several tectonic plates.
08:55 | Tips on how to act after an earthquake
- Check for injured people and provide help if possible.
- Stay away from damaged buildings or structures.
- Avoid using matches or lighters, as there may be gas leaks.
- Stay informed about the news and follow the instructions of local authorities.
08:25 | Strongest earthquakes in U.S. history
- Alaska Earthquake (1964): Magnitude 9.2; Epicenter: South-central Alaska; Death toll: 139
- San Francisco Earthquake (1906): Magnitude 7.9; Epicenter: San Francisco Bay; Death toll: over 3,000
- Charleston Earthquake (1886): Magnitude 7.3; Epicenter: Charleston, South Carolina; Death toll: over 600
- Long Beach Earthquake (1933): Magnitude 6.4; Epicenter: Long Beach, California; Death toll: over 120
- Loma Prieta Earthquake (1989): Magnitude 6.9; Epicenter: San Francisco Bay Area; Death toll: over 60
07:55 | Enrichment data (Optional)
Overall:
The New Madrid Seismic Zone, located in the central United States, experienced a series of major earthquakes in the early 19th century, being one of the largest earthquakes in U.S. history. Its shear and strike-slip movements are similar to the San Andreas Fault, but the ground motions are much more complex and destructive[1]. The Cascadia Subduction Zone, due to its potential for major earthquakes and tsunamis, poses a significant risk to the Pacific Northwest region, including cities such as Seattle and Portland[1]. The East Tennessee Seismic Zone, while less impactful than other seismic areas, has been the site of numerous small earthquakes throughout history[4].
The New Madrid Seismic Zone:
The New Madrid Seismic Zone, also known as the New Madrid fault, covers parts of five states, including parts of Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, and Arkansas. On December 16, 1811, earthquakes struck within the zone, causing shockwaves that were felt as far northeast as Boston and as far southwest as Mexico City. The earthquakes caused significant damage to the landscape, producing landslides and changing the course of rivers[6]. The area experienced more earthquakes over the following months, with the largest recorded earthquake in the U.S. history occurring on February 7, 1812[1].
The Cascadia Subduction Zone:
The Cascadia Subduction Zone is one of the most energetic and geologically complex subduction zones in the world. It connects the Juan de Fuca Plate, located off the west coast of North America, to the North American Plate. The zone has been responsible for several major earthquakes in the past, with the greatest recorded earthquake occurring in 1700. The earthquake triggered a tsunami that was documented along the Pacific coast of North America, causing destruction in Japan[2]. Experts predict that another similar event could occur within the next 50 years, posing significant risks to the Pacific Northwest region[1].
- News articles on science and health-and-wellness may discuss the potential risks associated with living near seismically active areas in the United States, such as the West Coast, particularly cities in California, or the New Madrid Seismic Zone in the central states.
- Medical-condition research related to stress disorders might focus on the psychological impact of earthquakes and subsequent aftershocks on communities, such as the long-term effects on mental health experienced by residents near the New Madrid Seismic Zone or the San Andreas Fault.
