M7.0 Quake Strikes Southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge

UPDATE:

This quake has been upgraded to 6.8Mw event by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre

Magnitude Mw 6.8
Date time 2015-06-17 12:51:31.8 UTC
Location 35.26 S ; 17.79 W
Depth 10 km

And to a 6.9Mw event by GEOFON Global Seismic Monitor

F-E Region: Southern Mid Atlantic Ridge
Magnitude: 6.9 (Mw)
Epicenter: 17.73°W 35.38°S
Depth: 10 km
Status: M – manually revised

Powerful quake occurs north of Tristan

Centered at 35.362°S, 17.392°W the quake occurred north of Tristan da Cunha Fracture Zone, about 494km (308mi) WNW of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, Saint Helena, at a depth of about 10.0 km (6.2 mi), reported USGS/EHP.

EQ Details

Magnitude: 7.0Mw [Upgraded from 6.1Mw]
Location: 35.362°S, 17.392°W
Date/ Time of Occurrence: 2015-06-17 at 12:51:33 (UTC)
Depth: 10km

Tsunami Evaluation
A DESTRUCTIVE WIDESPREAD TSUNAMI THREAT DOES NOT EXIST BASED ON HISTORICAL EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI DATA. [NWS PACIFIC TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER]

Related Links

• FIRE-EARTH ALERT: HEIGHTENED SEISMICITY and ENHANCED VOLCANISM in the Pacific Ring of Fire March 31, 2015

• FIRE-EARTH Forecast: Heightened seismicity in the Pacific Ring of Fire March 30, 2015

New Zealand Earthquake Warnings – 7 March 2011

New Zealand Earthquakes: Summary and Links to Warnings Issued by FIRE-EARTH

on March 4, 2011 at 1:44 am in reply to a comment FIRE-EARTH said:

Thanks for update.
Our advice to YOU and all intelligent people in Wellington area
1. There’s a frighteningly large buildup of tectonic stress energy right under your feet.
2. RUN while you’re still alive, before the next exodus bottleneck makes it impossible to flee the danger zone.
For additional FIRE-EARTH comments on NZ seismic hazards, see also
https://feww.wordpress.com/2011/02/24/new-zealand-earthquake-update-feb-24/#comment-12474

on March 1, 2011 at 11:29 am in reply to a comment FIRE-EARTH said:

Moderators are aware of a M4.7 that occurred at 09:07UTC about 15km NW of Wellington, New Zealand.
Earthquakes are natural phenomenons (as opposed to sci-fi action you alluded) and as such constitute part of the earth’s natural defense mechanism, among other functions. What you’re witnessing is a planetary response to harms caused by humans.

In “Christchurch Earthquake and ‘Somali Pirates’” posted on February 27, 2011 FIRE-EARTH issued the following warning:

[SEISMIC HAZARD WARNING: Areas in and around the Golden Bay, the Tasman Bay, the region north and south of the Cook Strait, the entire northern seaboard of North Island, especially the Hauraki Gulf area, as well as the western and eastern seaboards of the NI are believed to be among NZ’s potential disaster hotpots. FIRE-EARTH]

https://feww.wordpress.com/2011/02/27/christchurch-earthquake-and-somali-pirates/

In “Christchurch Earthquake UPDATE Feb 26″ Posted on February 26, 2011, FIRE-EARTH said:

[NOTE: Areas in and around the Golden Bay, the Tasman Bay and the region north and south of the Cook Strait are believed to be among NZ’s potential disaster hotpots. FIRE-EARTH]

In reply to a reader comment, posted on February 25, FIRE-EARTH said:
“FIRE-EARTH believes that unprecedented cataclysmic geophysical events [seismic, volcanic …] WILL destroy much of New Zealand islands within the next few years.”

IF you’re interested about saving lives, these are the sort of messages that you really ought to spread, NOT the sci-fi nonsense about “mega weapons.”

on February 25, 2011 at 12:39 am in reply to a comment FIRE-EARTH said:

Why did YOUR govt bury earthquake warnings which were meant to alert people, especially foreign tourists/students visiting New Zealand?
See links below:

* https://feww.wordpress.com/2009/07/16/global-travel-warning/

* https://feww.wordpress.com/2008/10/06/earthquake-cluster-closes-in-on-new-zealand/

* https://feww.wordpress.com/2011/01/15/new-zealand-region-earthquake-warning/

* https://feww.wordpress.com/2010/09/04/powerful-quake-strikes-christchurch-nz/#comment-10624

* https://feww.wordpress.com/2008/09/30/a-magnitude-7-earthquake-hits-kermadec-islands/

* https://feww.wordpress.com/2009/08/19/new-round-of-geo-assualt/

* https://feww.wordpress.com/2009/07/15/powerful-7-8-m-quake-strikes-new-zealand-region/

* https://feww.wordpress.com/2010/05/16/an-open-letter-to-google-management-employees/

See also the following message posted by te2ataria on July 17, 2009
http://newzeelend.wordpress.com/2009/07/17/stay-out-of-new-zealand/

Truth is the bottom line, income from tourism, is more important to your government than human lives.

“and our govt are just people, citizens, like ourselves…”

REALLY? Are you a multimillionaire like your PM John Key?

Your PM is a greedy individual who has amassed a massive fortune, albeit from “immoral activities,” and who has shown no interest in the livelihood of quarter of a million NZ kids living in abject poverty.
http://newzeelend.wordpress.com/2010/07/05/in-new-zealand-poverty-is-happiness/

That’s what you call democracy?

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Global Travel Warning!

• Christchurch Could Vanish from Google Map
• NZ Govt and Google Buried Quake Warnings
• Two Significant ‘Foreshocks’ Strike Christchurch, NZ

• New Zealand Region Earthquake Warning
• Powerful Quake Strikes Christchurch, NZ

• STAY OUT OF NEW ZEALAND!
• Christchurch Quake: Many Tourists Killed

• Powerful 7.8 M Quake Strikes New Zealand Region
• A Warning to Visitors to New Zealand
• Magnitude 7 Earthquake Hits Kermadec Islands
• Earthquake Cluster Zone Closing in on New Zealand
• Earthquakes

Chile: Large Earthquake May Be Imminent

Large Earthquake May Strike Offshore Chile: FIRE-EARTH

FEWW Moderators believe a large earthquake measuring about 8.2Mw could strike offshore Chile close to the location of the ongoing seismic activity. [Probability ≈ 0.6]

An intense wave of activity which struck offshore Bio-Bio region, Chile on February 12 has so far produced at least a half dozen significant shocks including the following two events which occurred today, according to USGS/EHP.

• Magnitude 6.0 on February 13 at 10:35:06 UTC
• Magnitude 5.8 on February 13 at 08:51:33 UTC

Related Links:

• Intense Wave of Seismicity Strikes Bio-Bio, Chile

• FEWW Volcano Links
• Volcanoes
• FEWW Earthquake Links

Middle East Earthquake Warning

Large Earthquake Could Strike Middle East

Fire-Earth’s EarthModel simulations show a large earthquake  could strike Middle East, possibly within Cyprian Arc, close to the Eratosthenes Seamount.

Related Links:

• Taiwan Earthquake Warning
• Peru Earthquake Warning
• FEWW Earthquake Links

–

Serial No 1,720. Starting April 2010, each entry on this blog has a unique serial number. If any of the numbers are missing, it may mean that the corresponding entry has been blocked by Google/the authorities in your country. Please drop us a line if you detect any anomaly/missing number(s).

California Earthquake Forecast – Update 4

Google Inc. Continues to Filter, Block and Bury Information Posted on Fire Earth and Affiliated Blogs

Additionally, since at least the beginning of March 2010, nearly every entry posted on Fire-Earth, which show up in Google searches, point to Ning Network, diluting Fire Earth traffic by at least 50 percent.

See evidence :

• HP Director, Google Continue To Steal Internet Traffic

• Google Sends Search Traffic to 3rd Party

To prevent Google and rest of the Internet Mafia from making financial gains by acting on the information provided, which they filter and conceal from the public, the Fire-Earth science advisory team have advised blog Moderators that as of today they have suspended all research into California’s seismic activity until further notice.

The  Fire-Earth science advisory team hereby advise their family members, friends, colleagues and all of the good people of California to relocate out of the state.

Related Links:

• California Earthquake Forecast – Update 3 [September 24, 2009]
  
• California Earthquake Forecast – Update 2 [August 11, 2009 ]
• California Earthquake Forecast 2009 – UPDATE [August 4, 2009]
• California Earthquake Forecast 2009 [March 24, 2009]

Serial No  1,565. Starting April 2010, each entry on this blog has a unique serial number. If any of the numbers are missing, it may mean that the corresponding entry has been blocked by the authorities/Google in your country. Please drop us a line if you detect any anomaly/missing number(s).

7.1Mw Quake Strikes Solomon Islands

Powerful 7.1Mw Earthquake strikes Solomon Islands 94 km (58 miles) WSW of Kira Kira

The earthquake occurred on Sunday April 11, at 09:40:31UTC striking at a depth of about 60km. The epicenter was located at 10.90ºS ; 161.16ºE.

A larger earthquake may strike the region.

Summary of Earthquake Details:

• Magnitude: 7.1Mw
• Region: SOLOMON ISLANDS
• Date time: 2010-04-11 at 09:40:31.0UTC
• Location: 10.90ºS ; 161.16ºE
• Depth 60 km (+/- 15 km)
• Distances:
  • 1538 km E Port moresby (pop 283,733 ; local time 19:40 2010-04-11)
  • 213 km SE Honiara (pop 56,298 ; local time 20:40 2010-04-11)
  • 94 km SW Kira kira (pop 1,122 ; local time 20:40 2010-04-11)
• Source:  European-Mediterranean Seismological Center

Earthquake Location Map. Click image to enlarge.

Tsunami Evaluation:
A destructive pacific-wide tsunami is not expected. However, local tsunami may occur. “Earthquakes of this size sometimes generate local tsunamis that can be destructive along coasts located within a hundred kilometers of the earthquake epicenter. Authorities in the region of the epicenter should be aware of this possibility and take appropriate action.” PTWC said.

Related Links:

• Strong Earthquake Strikes Vanuatu
• Powerful Aftershocks Still Striking Solomon Isles
• Powerful Earthquakes Strike Solomon Islands
• Solomon Isles Tsunami Destroyed Several Villages
• Large Earthquakes Strike South Pacific

• Magnitude 8.3 Quake Strikes Samoa Islands Region

• FEWW Earthquake Links
• Volcanoes
• FEWW Volcano Links

Serial No  1,562. Starting April 2010, each entry on this blog has a unique serial number. If any of the numbers are missing, it may mean that the corresponding entry has been blocked by the authorities/Google in your country. Please drop us a line if you detect any anomaly/missing number(s).

Peru Earthquake Warning

Large Earthquake Could Strike Peru

Fire-Earth’s EarthModel simulations indicate that a large earthquake could occur in Peru.

Related Links:

• Earthquakes [Links Page]

Strong Quake Strikes Taiwan – March 4

Strong Earthquake Measuring up to 6.6Mw Strikes Taiwan

The quake struck about 250 km (155 miles) SSW of T’AI-PEI, Taiwan

The quake was in line with Fire Earth February 28 Earthquake Forecast for Taiwan. Large/larger quakes in the region are highly probable anytime.

[UPDATED @ 10:30UTC]
12 people have been injured in a fire triggered by the Taiwan earthquake, AP reported the National Fire Agency as saying.

Firemen battle a blaze at a textile factory that started shortly after a strong earthquake jolted the island, Thursday, March 4, 2010, in the southern area of Tainan, Taiwan. A powerful 6.4-magnitude earthquake rocked southern Taiwan on Thursday morning, causing widespread damage, and disrupting communications around the island. (AP Photo). Image may be subject to copyright. More AP photos.

The mainshock, which was felt throughout Taiwan, including in Taipei, some 250km to the north, and Kaohsiung (65km to the south), made  tall buildings  sway for about a minute. It was followed by at least two aftershocks the largest of which was a M4.8 event.

According to Taiwan’s CWB, the mainshock struck at a depth of 5km in a mountainous region 43km NE of Pingtung city (23.00N, 120.73E).

Power was cut off near the epicenter close to Jiashan Township, Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s Ministry of Interior and the National Fire Agency reported.

According to other reports,  a number of residents in southern Taiwan were trapped in elevators. There are also reports of several fires that broke out as a result of the quake. At least one injury of causes unknown was reported. Taiwan’s  Highspeed Railway was temporarily disrupted in several locations, Taiwanese media reported.

Tsunami Alert:

NO tsunami alert has been issued. The quake occurred far enough from the coast to pose a tsunami threat.

10-degree Map Centered at 25°N,120°E

EQ Location Map. Source: USGS/EHP. Image Edited and Enhanced by FEWW.

Earthquake Details

• Magnitude reported by USGS: 6.4   [Max magnitude estimated by Fire-Earth: 6.1Mw]
• Date-Time:
  • Thursday, March 04, 2010 at 00:18:52 UTC
  • Thursday, March 04, 2010 at 08:18:52 AM at epicenter
• Location: 22.903°N, 120.823°E
• Depth: 23.1 km (14.4 miles)
• Region: TAIWAN
• Distances:
  • 40 km (25 miles) WNW of T’ai-tung, Taiwan
  • 60 km (40 miles) ESE of T’ai-nan, Taiwan
  • 65 km (40 miles) ENE of Kao-hsiung, Taiwan
  • 250 km (155 miles) SSW of T’AI-PEI, Taiwan
• Location Uncertainty: horizontal +/- 4.6 km (2.9 miles); depth +/- 6.2 km (3.9 miles)
• Source: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
• USGS Event ID: us2010tkab

A 7.6Mw quake which struck central Taiwan north of SinYi township (23.77N 120.98E) in 1999 killed an estimated 2,400 people.

• For Taiwan ShakeMap, Click Here
• More Technical Details, Click Here
• Population Exposure (USGS) HERE

Historic Taiwan Earthquakes – Map

Large Historic Earthquakes in and around Taiwan. Source: University of Hiroshima, Japan.

Historic Taiwan Earthquakes – Details

• 1906 03 16 – Chia-i, Taiwan – M 6.8 Fatalities 1,250
• 1910 04 12 – Taiwan region – M 7.6
• 1920 06 05 – Taiwan region – M 8.0 Fatalities 5
• 1935 04 20 – Taiwan (Formosa) – M 7.1 Fatalities 3,270
• 1935 07 16 – Taiwan (Formosa) – M 6.5 Fatalities 2,740
• 1959 04 26 – Taiwan region – M 7.5 Fatalities 2
• 1972 01 25 – Taiwain region – M 7.5 Fatalities 1
• 1972 01 25 – Taiwain region – M 7.0
• 1972 04 24 – Taiwain region – M 7.2 Fatalities 4
• 1998 05 03 – Southeast of Taiwan – M 7.5
• 1999 09 20 – Taiwan – M 7.6 Fatalities 2,400
• 2002 03 31 – Taiwan region – M 7.1 Fatalities 5
• 2002 05 15 – Taiwan – M 6.2 Fatalities 1
• 2003 12 10 – Taiwan – M 6.8
• 2004 10 15 – Taiwan region – M 6.7
• 2004 11 08 – Taiwan region – M 6.3
• 2006 12 26 – Taiwan region – M 7.1 Fatalities 2
• 2006 12 26 – Taiwan region – M 6.9
• 2007 09 06 – Taiwan region – M 6.2
• 2009 12 19 – Taiwan – M 6.4

Related Links:

• Taiwan Earthquake Warning

• FEWW Earthquake Links
• Volcanoes
• FEWW Volcano Links

• Magnitude 6.3 quake strikes Taiwan region (July 13, 2009)
• 4th Powerful Quake Strikes Japan Region
• 5th Strong Quake Strikes Japan Region
• Another Strong Quake Strikes Taiwan
• 8th Strong Quake Strikes Ryukyu Islands, Japan

Taiwan Earthquake Warning

Large Earthquake Could Strike Taiwan Region

Based on the results of Fire-Earth’s EarthModel simulations, Moderators forecast a large earthquake in the Taiwan Region.

Related Links:

• Earthquakes [Links Page]
• Magnitude 6.3 quake strikes Taiwan region
• 4th Powerful Quake Strikes Japan Region
• 5th Strong Quake Strikes Japan Region
• 8th Strong Quake Strikes Ryukyu Islands, Japan

Will there be another major Haiti earthquake?

For Fire-Earth Haiti-Jamaica Earthquake forecast See: Another Strong Quake Strikes Haiti as Expected

The following is a Public Release by University of Texas at Austin

Rapid response science missions assess potential for another major Haiti earthquake

To help assess the potential threat of more large earthquakes in Haiti and nearby areas, scientists at The University of Texas at Austin’s Institute for Geophysics are co-leading three expeditions to the country with colleagues from Purdue University, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, the U.S. Geological Survey and five other institutions.

Source: The University of the West Indies at Mona

Rapid response missions can be critical for assessing future risks because a fault can continue to displace the ground for weeks and months after a large earthquake. At the same time, natural weathering processes and human activities can erase valuable geologic evidence.

The goal of the Haiti missions, researchers say, is to understand which segments of the earthquake fault ruptured during the Jan. 12 quake and how much fault movement and uplift of coastal features occurred in locations along or near the fault.

• Expedition 1: Eric Calais of Purdue University led the first expedition, which has ended, collecting Global Positioning System (GPS) data to determine how land moved as a result of the earthquake. A second team participating in the expedition, led by Paul Mann of the Institute for Geophysics and Rich Koehler of the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, used a helicopter and fieldwork to search for signs of ruptures-cracks at the surface along the main trace of the suspected earthquake fault. They found no signs of surface rupture but evidence for lateral spreading and liquefaction-a phenomenon in which soils behave like a liquid instead of a solid. Earthquakes most likely caused by the same fault and resulting in the same kind of lateral spreading and liquefaction destroyed the Jamaican capital of Kingston in 1692 and 1907. Funding was provided by the Rapid Response Research Program of the National Science Foundation (NSF).
• Expedition 2: The second expedition, beginning Feb. 24, will for the first time use a scientific research vessel to examine the underwater effects of the quake. Chief scientist for the expedition is Cecilia McHugh at the City University of New York and Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory with co-chief scientists Sean Gulick of the Institute for Geophysics and Milene Cormier of the University of Missouri. For two weeks, a team onboard the RV Endeavor will use sonar to map shifted sediments on the seafloor and seismic sensors to examine faults beneath the seafloor. The scientists hope to solve a mystery about how the earthquake unleashed a tsunami that killed seven people and to explain why corals along the coast have now been uplifted above sea level. The 185-foot Endeavor is owned by the NSF and operated by the University of Rhode Island. Funding is provided by the NSF and The University of Texas at Austin’s Jackson School of Geosciences.
• Expedition 3: The third expedition, led by Fred Taylor of the Institute for Geophysics, will focus on large coral heads exposed by coastal uplift during the earthquake. Taylor will use a specialized chainsaw to collect the now dead coral for study of its tree ring-like structure to reveal clues on recent uplift and previous uplifts extending back hundreds of years. He will be assisted by Mann along with Rich Briggs and Carol Prentice of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The Jackson School of Geosciences and USGS are jointly funding the coral study.

The Jackson School places a special emphasis on mounting rapid response missions to the scenes of geo-hazards, supporting previous missions after the earthquake and tsunami in the Solomon Islands (2007) and Hurricane Ike along the Texas Gulf Coast (2008). Few academic organizations have the infrastructure, equipment and expertise to mount a large field expedition on a few weeks’ notice, yet they can yield valuable insights to prepare communities for future hazards.

“We expect a whole raft of studies about the Haiti earthquake coming out based on remote sensing data from satellites and airplanes,” said Sean Gulick of the Institute for Geophysics. “But there’s no substitute for getting on the ground and in the water to look directly at its immediate effects.”

While collecting information that can save lives in the near future is a top priority of the expeditions, the scientists are also working to help cultivate local earthquake expertise. Two Haitian scientists have been invited to participate-Nicole Dieudonne, a representative of the Haitian Bureau of Mines and Energy, and Steeven Smyithe, a student from the State University of Haiti.

“We’re trying to engage the Haitian science community,” said Mann, who will return to Haiti for the second expedition. “They can help us communicate better with Haitian policy makers and people about the geology behind this devastating earthquake and about the risks going forward.”

In 2008, Mann, Calais and colleagues presented a paper at the Caribbean Conference forecasting a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in the area of Haiti, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. The forecast was based on an integration of geologic information on the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden fault zone with GPS data collected in the region. David Manaker, Calais and colleagues published an article on the same topic in Geophysical Journal International.

0O0

For more information from the source responsible for the above see:

• http://www.ldeo.columbia.edu/research/marine-geology-geophysics/haiti-offshore-a-rapid-response-expedition
• http://www.jsg.utexas.edu/news/rels/011310.html
• http://www.jsg.utexas.edu/news/rels/011310-resources.html

Contact: Marc Airhart
mairhart@jsg.utexas.edu
University of Texas at Austin

The biggest hurdle for the ‘Rapid Response Expedition Teams’ could prove to be a political one. They may have to find creative ways of preventing USGS Earthquake People from altering the results of their research. See various notes and comments on Fire-Earth about USGS/EHP downgrading the magnitude of earthquakes for political reasons.

Related Links:

• Another Strong Quake Strikes Haiti as Expected
• Earthquakes
• Haiti Earthquake Disaster
• Earthquake Damage in Haiti: Engineers Report

Large Quake Could Strike Near Padang, Sumatra

Strong Earthquake Measuring 6.2 Mw Strikes Kepulauan Mentawai Region, Indonesia

An earthquake measuring 6.2 Mw struck Kepulauan Mentawai Region, about 115 km (70 miles) WSW of Padang, Sumatra, Indonesia, at a depth of about 22km. The mainshock was followed by at least one aftershock measuring 5.3Mw.

More than two dozen quakes measuring 5.0Mw or larger, including a 6.9Mw quake that occurred in August 2009, have struck the area since mid August 2009.

Based on the existing information, FEWW EarthModel forecasts a large quake measuring ≥8.0 could strike near Padang, the capital and largest city of West Sumatra, Indonesia.

Padang has a population of about 800,000 people.

Earthquake Details:

Region: Southern Sumatra, Indonesia
Time: 2009-12-23 01:11:59.6 UTC
Magnitude: 6.2 [estimated by FEWW]
Epicenter: 99.47°E 1.43°S   [location estimated by USGS: 1.419°S, 99.448°E]
Depth: 27 km

EQ Location Map. Source: GFZ Potsdam – Earthquake Bulletin. Image may be subject to copyright.

Seismic Hazard Map

Major Tectonic Boundaries: Subduction Zones -purple, Ridges -red and Transform Faults -green. Source: USGS/EHP

Historic Seismicity

Major Tectonic Boundaries: Subduction Zones -purple, Ridges -red and Transform Faults -green. Source: USGS/EHP

Related Links:

• FEWW Volcano Links
• Volcanoes
• FEWW Earthquake Links

Powerful Earthquake Strikes Tonga

Earthquake Measuring Up to M 7.1 Strikes Near NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga

A powerful earthquake measuring up to 7.1 Mw struck  about 135 km (85 miles) ENE of NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga at a depth of 10 km on  November 24, 2009 at 12:47 UTC.

The quake was followed by at least two aftershocks, the stronger of which measured up to 5.8 Mw.

Tsunami Evaluation:

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center/NOAA/NWS Evaluated the Tsunami Hazard as follows:

NO DESTRUCTIVE WIDESPREAD TSUNAMI THREAT EXISTS BASED ON HISTORICAL EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI DATA.

HOWEVER – EARTHQUAKES OF THIS SIZE SOMETIMES GENERATE LOCAL TSUNAMIS THAT CAN BE DESTRUCTIVE ALONG COASTS LOCATED WITHIN A HUNDRED KM OF THE EARTHQUAKE EPICENTER. AUTHORITIES IN THE REGION OF THE EPICENTER SHOULD BE AWARE OF THIS POSSIBILITY AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.

FEWW Comment: Does the SW Pacific region including Tonga, Fiji, and Samoan Islands regions act as a ‘planetary seismic shock damper?’  How much longer will the service last?

10-degree Map Centered at 20°S,175°W

Earthquake location Map. Source: USGS/EHP. Enhanced by FEWW.

Earthquake Details:

• Magnitude: 6.8  [Maximum quake magnitude estimated at 7.1 Mw by FEWW]
• Date-Time:
  • Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 12:47:14 UTC
  • Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 02:47:14 AM at epicenter
• Location: 20.641°S, 174.068°W
• Depth: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Region: TONGA
• Distances:
  • 135 km (85 miles) ENE of NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga
  • 220 km (135 miles) S of Neiafu, Tonga
  • 480 km (300 miles) E of Ndoi Island, Fiji
  • 2100 km (1300 miles) NE of Auckland, New Zealand
• Location: Uncertainty horizontal +/- 5.6 km (3.5 miles); depth fixed by location program
• Source:  USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
• Event ID: us2009pja1

Related Links:

• Volcanoes
• Earthquakes [Main Index Page]
• FEWW Volcano Links
• Volcanoes affect life on earth

Strong Quake Strikes Fiji Region

Earthquake measuring up to 6.5 Mw strikes Fiji Region

A strong earthquake measuring up to M 6.5 struck offshore Fiji Region at 17.789°S, 178.435°W at a depth  of about 520 km November 22, 2009 at 07:48 UTC.

The event occurred about 195 km SE of Taveuni volcano which last erupted about 1550 ± 100 yrs.

Taveuni, the 3-rd largest island in Fiji, is a large shield volcano that rises from the Pacific Ocean floor. A popular tourist destination, the Island has a population of less than 10,000.

Tsunami Information

The earthquake was located too deep to generate a tsunami.

10-degree Map Centered at 20°S,180°E

Earthquake location Map. Source: USGS/EHP. Enhanced by FEWW.

Earthquake Details:

• Magnitude: 6.3 [Maximum quake magnitude estimated at 6.5 Mw by FEWW]
• Date-Time:
  • Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 07:48:20 UTC
  • Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 07:48:20 PM at epicenter
• Location: 17.789°S, 178.435°W
• Depth: 523.1 km (325.1 miles) set by location program
• Region: FIJI REGION
• Distances:
  • 275 km (170 miles) ESE of Lambasa, Vanua Levu, Fiji
  • 320 km (195 miles) N of Ndoi Island, Fiji
  • 335 km (210 miles) E of SUVA, Viti Levu, Fiji
  • 2220 km (1380 miles) NNE of Auckland, New Zealand
• Location Uncertainty:  horizontal +/- 5.1 km (3.2 miles)
• Source: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
• Event ID: us2009phaj

Related Links:

• Volcanoes
• Earthquakes [Main Index Page]
• FEWW Volcano Links
• Volcanoes affect life on earth

Powerful Quake Strikes Queen Charlotte Islands Region

Earthquake Measuring up to 6.8 Mw followed by a Strong Aftershock Strikes Queen Charlotte Islands Region

A powerful earthquake measuring up to magnitude 6.8 followed by a cluster of aftershocks, the largest of which measured up to M 6.0, struck Queen Charlotte Islands Region on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at about 15:31 UTC, at a shallow depth of about 5 km.

Tsunami Information

The West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer AK, said there was no threat of a damaging tsunami caused by the earthquake. However some neighboring regions could experience non-damaging sea level changes. “In coastal areas of intense shaking locally generated tsunamis can be triggered by underwater landslides.”

Earthquake location Map. Source: USGS/EHP. Enhanced by FEWW

Earthquake Details:

• Magnitude: 6.6 [Maximum quake magnitude estimated by FEWW at 6.8 Mw]
• Date-Time:
  • Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 15:30:46 UTC
  • Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 07:30:46 AM at epicenter
• Location: 52.151°N, 131.378°W
• Depth: 11.6 km (7.2 miles)
• Region: QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS REGION
• Distances:
  • 250 km (155 miles) SSW (197°) from Prince Rupert, BC, Canada
  • 315 km (195 miles) WNW (303°) from Port Hardy, BC, Canada
  • 331 km (206 miles) S (178°) from Metlakatla, AK
  • 662 km (411 miles) WNW (302°) from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Location Uncertainty: horizontal +/- 5.5 km (3.4 miles); depth +/- 10.5 km (6.5 miles)
• Source: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
• Event ID:  us2009pcaq

Historic Seismicity. USGS/EHP. Enhanced by FEWW

The Largest Earthquake in Canada

Canada’s largest earthquake (magnitude 8.1) since 1700, occurred on August 22, 1949 off the coast of BC. It occurred on the Queen Charlotte Fault (Canada’s equivalent of the San Andreas Fault) – the boundary between the Pacific and North American plates that runs underwater along the west coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands off the west coast of British Columbia. The shaking was so severe on the Queen Charlotte Islands that cows were knocked off their feet, and a geologist with the Geological Survey of Canada working on the north end of Graham Island could not stand up. Chimneys toppled, and an oil tank at Cumshewa Inlet collapsed. In Terrace, on the adjacent mainland, cars were bounced around, and standing on the street was described as “like being on the heaving deck of a ship at sea”. In Prince Rupert, windows were shattered and buildings swayed. —Natural resources of Canada

Related Links:

• Volcanoes
• Earthquakes [Main Index Page]
• FEWW Volcano Links

• California Earthquake Forecast – Update 3
• Alaska Earthquake Forecast: Update 3

Powerful Quake Strikes Chile

For the latest quake which occurred on February 27, 2010 click on the link below:

Chile 8.8 Megaquake Strikes Offshore Maule

Powerful Earthquake Measuring up to 6.7 Mw Strikes Offshore Chile

A powerful earthquakes measuring up to 6.7 Mw struck offshore Tarapaca, Chile about 95 km (60 miles) south of Arica, Chile at an estimated depth of 10 km on Friday, November 13, 2009 at 03:05:55 UTC.

This event occurred about 29 km north-northeast of another strong quake measuring at least 6.0 Mw that struck the area on April 17, 2009.

As of posting there were no report of damage in the area.

10-degree Map Centered at 20°S,70°W

Earthquake location Map. Source: USGS/EHP. Enhanced by FEWW

Tsunami Threat

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (NOAA, NWS) evaluated the event as follows:

No destructive widespread tsunami threat exists based on historical earthquake and tsunami data.

However, earthquakes of this size sometimes generate local tsunamis that can be destructive along coasts located within a hundred kilometers of the earthquake epicenter. Authorities in the region of the epicenter should be aware of this possibility and take appropriate action.

Earthquake Details:

• Magnitude: 6.5 [Maximum quake magnitude estimated by FEWW at 6.7 Mw] ]
• Date-Time:
  • Friday, November 13, 2009 at 03:05:55 UTC
  • Friday, November 13, 2009 at 12:05:55 AM at epicenter
• Location: 19.348°S, 70.246°W
• Depth: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Region: TARAPACA, CHILE
• Distances:
  • 95 km (60 miles) S of Arica, Chile
  • 95 km (60 miles) N of Iquique, Chile
  • 150 km (95 miles) S of Tacna, Peru
  • 1,560 km (970 miles) N of SANTIAGO, Chile
• Location Uncertainty: horizontal +/- 6 km (3.7 miles)
• Source: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
• Event ID: us2009nyad

More on this quake as additional information become available.

Related Links:

• VolcanoWatch Weekly [23 July 2009]

• Volcanoes
• Earthquakes [Main Index Page]

Other Related Links [Including FEWW forecasts]

• Powerful Earthquake Strikes Southern Sumatra, Indonesia

• Powerful Earthquake Strikes Celebes Sea, S of Philippines
• Earth undergoing significant geophysical disturbances

• Earthquakes: Human Enhanced Disasters – UPDATE 3 Oct 2009
• Earthquakes: Human Enhanced Disasters – UPDATE 2 Oct 2009
• Disaster Update: Indonesia Quake

• Two Poweful Quakes Strike Fox Islands, Alaska

• Another Strong Quake Hits Sumatra
• Strong Earthquake Strikes Mindanao, Philippines
• Magnitude 8.3 Quake Strikes Samoa Islands Region

• The Largest Earthquake
• Earthquakes

• Deadly Earthquake Strikes Java, Indonesia
• Magnitude 8.3 Quake Strikes Samoa Islands Region
• Indian Ocean Earthquake Triggers Deadly Tsunami and 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake
• Powerful Earthquake Strikes Banda Sea
• Strong Quake Strikes Sunda Strait, Indonesia
• Recent Earthquakes ≥ 6.0 Mw

See Quake Forecast for Mindanao at:

https://feww.wordpress.com/2009/10/04/strong-earthquake-strikes-mindanao-philippines/#comment-4652

Powerful quake shakes Sumbawa, Indonesia

M7.0 Earthquake Strikes Sumbawa, Indonesia

Powerful earthquake measuring up to 7.0Mw struck Indonesia’s Sumbawa region, about 77 km east of Tambora volcano and at an estimated  depth of 18 km, November 8, 2009 at 19:41 UTC.

Mount Tambora’s 1815 eruption (Volcanic  Explosivity Index of 7) was the largest in modern history, and perhaps the deadliest of all time, with up to an estimated 100,000 people losing their lives as a result.

Alarmed by its findings concerning the prospect of intense seismic activity in the region, FEWW featured Mt Tambora in its weekly volcano watch VolcanoWatch Weekly  dated 23 July 2009.

See also September 28, 2009 entry:  Up to 3 More Large EQs Could Strike the Pacific Ring of Fire in 2009

FEWW Moderators believe that further, intense seismic activity would most likely occur in the region in the near future.

10-degree Map Centered at 10°S,120°E

Earthquake location Map. Source: USGS/EHP. Enhanced by FEWW

Earthquake Details:

• Magnitude: 6.7  [Maximum quake magnitude estimated by FEWW at 7.0 Mw]
• Date-Time:
  • Sunday, November 08, 2009 at 19:41:44 UTC
  • Monday, November 09, 2009 at 03:41:44 AM at epicenter
• Location: 8.316°S, 118.697°E
• Depth: 18.3 km (11.4 miles) (poorly constrained)
• Region: SUMBAWA REGION, INDONESIA
• Distances:
  • 15 km (10 miles) NNW of Raba, Sumbawa, Indonesia
  • 310 km (190 miles) ENE of Mataram, Lombok, Indonesia
  • 330 km (205 miles) W of Ende, Flores, Indonesia
  • 1335 km (830 miles) E of JAKARTA, Java, Indonesia
• Location Uncertainty: horizontal +/- 9.3 km (5.8 miles); depth +/- 33 km (20.5 miles)
• Source:  USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
• Event ID: us2009nta5

Tsunami Info:

NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center Center issued the following evaluation:

A destructive widespread tsunami threat does NOT exist based on   historical earthquake and tsunami data.   However – there is a very small possibility of a local tsunami that could affect coasts located usually no more than a hundred kilometers from the earthquake epicenter. Authorities in the region near the epicenter should be made aware of this possibility.

Historic Seismicity

Major Tectonic Boundaries: Subduction Zones -purple, Ridges -red and Transform Faults -green- USGS/EHP

Seismic Hazard Map

Major Tectonic Boundaries: Subduction Zones -purple, Ridges -red and Transform Faults -green- USGS/EHP

Related Links:

• VolcanoWatch Weekly [23 July 2009]

• Volcanoes
• Earthquakes [Main Index Page]

Other Related Links [Including FEWW forecasts]

• Powerful Earthquake Strikes Southern Sumatra, Indonesia

• Powerful Earthquake Strikes Celebes Sea, S of Philippines
• Earth undergoing significant geophysical disturbances

• Earthquakes: Human Enhanced Disasters – UPDATE 3 Oct 2009
• Earthquakes: Human Enhanced Disasters – UPDATE 2 Oct 2009
• Disaster Update: Indonesia Quake

• Two Poweful Quakes Strike Fox Islands, Alaska
• Recent Earthquakes ≥ 6.0 Mw

• Another Strong Quake Hits Sumatra
• Strong Earthquake Strikes Mindanao, Philippines
• Magnitude 8.3 Quake Strikes Samoa Islands Region

• The Largest Earthquake
• Earthquakes

• Deadly Earthquake Strikes Java, Indonesia
• Magnitude 8.3 Quake Strikes Samoa Islands Region
• Indian Ocean Earthquake Triggers Deadly Tsunami and 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake
• Powerful Earthquake Strikes Banda Sea
• Strong Quake Strikes Sunda Strait, Indonesia
• Recent Earthquakes ≥ 6.0 Mw

Arabia Shakes

Arabian Plate Jolted by Quake Cluster at Boundaries in Gulf of Aden

As of posting 4 events had occurred in the region, the largest of which is estimated at 5.8 Mw. The events occurred at a depth of about 10 km.

A Wave of Intense Seismicity May Break up Arabian Plate!

In your lifetime you could see large earthquakes and volcanic explosions breaking up the Arabian plate,  creating  one or more islands from its southern half.

Arabian Plate. Image Credit: Saudi Arabian Geological Survey

The western boundary of the Arabian plate is a transform fault zone — the Dead Sea and East Anatolian faults —where the adjacent plates grind past each other. Rifts of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden constitute the southern boundary, where Arabia and Africa are pulling apart. The Zagros and Makran mountain ranges mark the present collision zone. Blocks north and east of the collision zone (the Lut and Helmand blocks) arrived on the shores of Eurasia much earlier and are being jostled about during the current event … — Tectonics of the Arabian Plate/ Johnson Space Center/NASA

FEWW Arabia Earthquake and Volcanic Activity Forecast

• Another Quake Swarm to Strike Al-Ais, Arabia
• Arabian Subcontinent Earthquake Forecast 2009
• FEWW Saudi Quake Swarm Forecast 100 pct Correct!
• Saudi Quakes Oil Drilling Activity Related?
• Oil Drilling Likely Caused Texas Earthquake

The GFZ Potsdam Earthquake Bulletin reported the events as follows

Event No. 1

Region: Western Gulf of Aden
Time: 2009-11-05 06:23:05.2 UTC
Magnitude: 4.4
Epicenter: 45.70°E 12.21°N
Depth: 10 km
Status: manually revised

Earthquake Location Map. © Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum – GFZ

Event No. 2

Region: Western Gulf of Aden
Time: 2009-11-05 07:12:35.7 UTC
Magnitude: 5.6
Epicenter: 46.07°E 12.10°N
Depth: 20 km
Status: manually revised

Tectonics of the Arabian Plate

The African, Arabian and Indian crustal plates have been marching northward to collide with Eurasia — for about 20 million years in the case of Arabia, and for 50 million years in the case of India. The result has been a collage of plate pieces and mountain ranges that extend from the Pyrenees in the west, across southern Europe and the Middle East, through the Himalayas and the ranges of southeast Asia. Incorporated within that broad band are continental fragments that moved across the ocean and separately crashed into Eurasia; structures of some of those fragments have been reactivated during the present collision. Image and Caption: Johnson Space Center/NASA

10-degree Map Centered at 10°N,45°E

Earthquake Location Map. Source: USGS/EHP. Enhanced by FEWW

Seismic Hazard Map

Major Tectonic Boundaries: Subduction Zones -purple, Ridges -red and Transform Faults -green

Seismic Hazard Map

Event No. 3

Region: Western Gulf of Aden
Time: 2009-11-05 07:57:30.1 UTC
Magnitude: 4.8
Epicenter: 46.11°E 11.96°N
Depth: 10 km
Status: manually revised

Event No. 4

Region: Western Gulf of Aden
Time: 2009-11-05 08:05:52.6 UTC
Magnitude: 5.1
Epicenter: 45.95°E 12.13°N
Depth: 17 km
Status: manually revised

Related Links:

• Volcanic Explosions Could Split More Than Africa

• Tectonics of the Arabian Plate
• TECTONIC PROVINCES OF THE ARABIAN PLATE

• Another Quake Swarm to Strike Al-Ais, Arabia
• Arabian Subcontinent Earthquake Forecast 2009
• FEWW Saudi Quake Swarm Forecast 100 pct Correct!
• Saudi Quakes Oil Drilling Activity Related?
• Oil Drilling Likely Caused Texas Earthquake
• FEWW Earthquake Links

Hindu Kush Rattled by Another Strong Quake

Strong quake measuring up to 6.3 magnitude shook Hindu Kush Region, Afghanistan

The event was consistent with FEWW Forecast

The quake struck about 18 km WSW of another strong quake which struck the region a week ago.

10-degree Map Centered at 40°N,70°E

Earthquake Location Map. Source: USGS/EHP. Map enhanced by FEWW.

Earthquake Details

• Magnitude: 6.0 [Maximum quake magnitude estimated by FEWW at 6.3 Mw]
• Date-Time: Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 17:44:31 UTC
  [Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 10:14:31 PM at epicenter]
• Location: 36.434°N, 70.731°E
• Depth: 205.6 km (127.8 miles)
• Region:  HINDU KUSH, AFGHANISTAN
• Distances:
  • 75 km (45 miles) SSE of Feyzabad, Afghanistan
  • 130 km (80 miles) WNW of Chitral, Pakistan
  • 140 km (90 miles) SSW of Khorugh, Tajikistan
  • 255 km (160 miles) NNE of KABUL, Afghanistan
• Location Uncertainty:  horizontal +/- 4.5 km (2.8 miles); depth +/- 7 km (4.3 miles)
• Source: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
• Event ID:  us2009niba

Earthquake Location Map. Source: USGS/EHP. Map enhanced by FEWW.

After an earlier event in the area, a magnitude 6.4 quake which struck close to today’s epicenter almost exactly a week ago, FEWW forecast:

“ Further seismicity in the region should be expected in the coming days and weeks. An earthquake measuring up to 8.4 may occur in the region with a probability of 60 percent.”

Historic Seismicity Map

Major Tectonic Boundaries: Subduction Zones -purple, Ridges -red and Transform Faults -green- (Source: USGS/EHP)

Related Links:

• Strong Earthquake Rattles Hindu Kush, Afghanistan
• The Largest Earthquake
• Earthquakes [Main Index Page]

Powerful Earthquake Strikes Banda Sea

Powerful Quake Measuring up to 7.3 Magnitude Strikes Banda Sea

A powerful earthquake measuring up to 7.3 Mw struck Banda Sea about 40 km WNW of Serua volcano and 65 km south of Manuk volcano, on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 14:41 UTC.

The quake occurred at 6.161°S, 130.346°E, some 230 km  NNW of Saumlaki, Tanimbar Islands, Indonesia, at a depth of about 140 km. It was followed by a moderate quake measuring up to 5.3 Mw, which struck at 6.749°S, 131.601°E, on Sunday, October 25, 2009 at 00:35:06 UTC.

On February 21, 1938, a large quake measuring M 8.5 struck about 185 km northeast of Saturday’s quake  at a depth of 25km.

FEWW Forecast:

Based on an analysis of seismic activity in the region, FEWW Moderators believe a large earthquake measuring up to M 8.6 could strike Banda Sea in the next 3 – 6 months. Additional events measuring 6.0 to 7.6 Mw could also be expected in the region, anytime.

See also Earthquake Forecast: Timor Sea

10-degree Map Centered at 5°S,130°E

Earthquake Location Map. Source: USGS/EHP. Enhanced by FEWW

Tsunami Warning:

This earthquake was located too deep inside the earth to generate a destructive tsunami in the Indian ocean, NOAA PTWC said.

Earthquake Details

• Magnitude:  [7.3 Mw – estimated by FEWW]
• Date-Time:
  • Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 14:40:44 UTC
  • Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 11:40:44 PM at epicenter
• Location: 6.161°S, 130.346°E
• Depth: 138.5 km (86.1 miles)
• Region: BANDA SEA
• Distances:
  • 230 km (145 miles) NNW of Saumlaki, Tanimbar Islands, Indonesia
  • 365 km (225 miles) SE of Ambon, Moluccas, Indonesia
  • 700 km (435 miles) N of DARWIN, Northern Territory, Australia
  • 2610 km (1620 miles) E of JAKARTA, Java, Indonesia
• Location Uncertainty:  horizontal +/- 6.6 km (4.1 miles); depth +/- 9.2 km (5.7 miles)
• Source:USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
• Event ID: us2009ndan

Population Exposure:

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though some resistant structures exist. A magnitude 6.6 earthquake 360 km Northwest of this one struck Indonesia on March 12, 1983 (UTC), with estimated population exposures of 126,000 at intensity VII and 204,000 at intensity VI, with no reported fatalities. On June 17, 1987 (UTC), a magnitude 7.1 earthquake 82 km Northeast of this one struck Indonesia, with estimated population exposures of 1,000 at intensity VI and 82,000 at intensity V, with no reported fatalities. Source: USGS/EHP

Historic Seismicity

Major Tectonic Boundaries: Subduction Zones -purple, Ridges -red and Transform Faults -green

Major Tectonic Boundaries: Subduction Zones -purple, Ridges -red and Transform Faults -green

Related Links:

• Strong Quake Strikes Sunda Strait, Indonesia
• Recent Earthquakes ≥ 6.0 Mw
• Earth undergoing significant geophysical disturbances
• Powerful Earthquake Strikes Celebes Sea, S of Philippines
• Large Earthquakes Strike South Pacific
• Earthquakes: Human Enhanced Disasters – UPDATE 2 Oct 2009
• Another Strong Quake Hits Sumatra
• Disaster Update: Indonesia Quake
• Powerful Earthquake Strikes Southern Sumatra, Indonesia
• Samoa Tsunami Update
• Magnitude 8.3 Quake Strikes Samoa Islands Region
• Magnitude 6.8 EQ Strikes BANDA SEA

• Australia Fails to Plug Oil Leak in Timor Sea
• Deadly Earthquake Strikes Java, Indonesia [Includes FEWW Forecast]
• Earthquake Forecast: Timor Sea
• FEWW Earthquake Links

Strong Earthquake Rattles Hindu Kush, Afghanistan

Strong Quake Measuring as Large as M6.5 Rattles Hindu Kush, Afghanistan

An earthquake measuring as strong as 6.5Mw struck the Hindu Kush region, shaking northern Afghanistan and Pakistan early Friday, local time.

The epicenter was located at 36.471°N, 70.925°E  in the Hindu Kush mountain range about 75 km (50 miles) SSE of Feyzabad, Afghanistan, striking at a depth of about 197 km.

There have been no immediate reports of casualties or structural damage, however, news from the remote mountainous areas may take some time to reach the outside world.. However, frightened locals were reportedly seen escaping into the open areas in Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar and Rawalpindi and other major cities in the region. A news report said buildings in Kabul (the Afghan capital) shook during the earthquake.

10-degree Map Centered at 35°N,70°E

Earthquake Location Map. Source: USGS/EHP. Map enhanced by FEWW.

Historic Seismicity

More than a dozen EQs measuring 5.0 to 6.0 Mw have struck the immediate region since August 2008. The latest quake occurred about  240 km southeast of a major quake measuring more than 8.0Mw, which struck the region 102 years earlier almost to the date,  on October 21, 1907 at 04:23 UTC at a depth of 35 km.

Other quakes in the region:

• Magnitude 6.5, on December 12, 2005 at 21:47:46 UTC –  Location 36.332°N, 71.130°E – Depth 225.4 km  – Distances: 95 km (60 miles) NW of Chitral, Pakistan; 95 km (60 miles) SSE of Feyzabad, Afghanistan; 135 km (85 miles) SSW of Khorugh, Tajikistan; 350 km (220 miles) NNW of ISLAMABAD, Pakistan. (5 people killed, another 28 injured.)

• Magnitude 6.6, Monday, April 5, 2004 at 21:24:04 (UTC); Location 36.527°N, 71.028°E;  Depth 191.4 km – Distances: 75 km (45 miles) SSE of Feyzabad, Afghanistan; 110 km (70 miles) NW of Chitral, Pakistan; 120 km (75 miles) SSW of Khorugh, Tajikistan; 280 km (175 miles) NE of KABUL, Afghanistan. (3 people killed, at least a dozen injured.)

• Magnitude 6.1,  25 March 25,  2002 at 14:56:33 UTC; Location 36.06N 69.31E; Depth 8.0 kilometers – Distances 160 km (100 miles) SW of Feyzabad, Afghanistan; 170 km (105 miles) SE of Shaartuz, Tajikistanl; 170 km (105 miles) N of KABUL, Afghanistan; ;  210 km (130 miles) NNW of Jalalabad, Afghanistan.
  Remarks: At least 1,000 people killed, several hundred injured and several thousand homeless in Baghlan Province. At least 1,500 houses destroyed or damaged at Nahrin and several hundred more in other areas of Baghlan Province. Landslides blocked many roads in the epicentral area. Felt strongly in much of northern Afghanistan. Also felt in the Islamabad-Peshawar area, Pakistan and at Dushanbe, Tajikistan. [Source: USGS/EHP]

• Magnitude 7.4, March 3,  2002 at 12:08:19 UTC; Location 36.50N 70.48E; Depth 225.0 kilometers – Distances: 65 km (40 miles) S of Feyzabad, Afghanistan; 150 km (90 miles) SW of Khorugh, Tajikistan; 150 km (95 miles) WNW of Chitral, Pakistan; 250 km (155 miles) NNE of KABUL, Afghanistan.
  Remarks: At least 166 people killed, several injured and 400 houses damaged or destroyed by a landslide that dammed and flooded Surkundara Valley, Samangan Province. At least 13 people killed at Kabul and Rostaq and 3 people killed in Bajaur, Pakistan. At least 300 houses destroyed in Badakhshan and Takhar Provinces. A 45 meter wide fissure opened in Xiker Reservoir in Xinjiang, China. Felt in much of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Felt (VI) at Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Felt (V) at Qarshi, Samarqand and Tashkent; (IV) at Andijon and Namangan, Uzbekistan. Felt (V) at Osh; (IV) at Batken and Sufi- Kurgan; (III) at Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Felt (III) at Shymkent, Taraz and Zhambyl, Kazakhstan. Also felt in India and Xinjiang, China. [Source: USGS/EHP]

• Magnitude 7.8, March 14,  1965 AT 15:53:06 UTC  [NO FURTHER DETAILS AVAILABLE.] Remarks: Two people were injured at Peshawar, Pakistan. Slight damage occurred in Afghanistan and western Pakistan. The shock was felt as far away as New Delhi, India and Tashkent, Uzbekistan (Uzbek SSR, USSR).

FEWW Forecast:

Further seismicity in the region should be expected in the coming days and weeks. An earthquake measuring up to 8.4 may occur in the region with a probability of 60 percent.

This Earthquake

• Magnitude:   6.2 [possibly as high as 6.5 Mw]
• Date-Time:  Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 19:51:28 UTC   [Friday, October 23, 2009 at 12:21:28 AM at epicenter]
• Location: 36.471°N, 70.925°E
• Depth: 196.5 km (122.1 miles)
• Region: HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN
• Distances:
  • 75 km (50 miles) SSE of Feyzabad, Afghanistan
  • 115 km (70 miles) NW of Chitral, Pakistan
  • 130 km (80 miles) SSW of Khorugh, Tajikistan
  • 270 km (165 miles) NE of KABUL, Afghanistan
• Location Uncertainty: horizontal +/- 7.3 km (4.5 miles); depth +/- 28.6 km (17.8 miles)
• Source: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
• Event ID:  us2009nbbf

Historic Seismicity Map

Major Tectonic Boundaries: Subduction Zones -purple, Ridges -red and Transform Faults -green- (Source: USGS/EHP)

Related Links:

• The Largest Earthquake
• Earthquakes [Main Index Page]

Strong Quake Strikes Sunda Strait, Indonesia

Strong Quake Measuring up to 6.4 Mw Strikes Sunda Strait, Indonesia

Strong earthquake measuring about 6.4 Mw struck Sunda Strait about 180 km WSW of JAKARTA, island of Java, Indonesia, at a depth of about 55km on Friday, October 16, 2009 at 09:53 UTC.

Some buildings  in the capital, Jakarta, were reported as swaying by the officials. So far there are no reports damage or casualties. A magnitude 7.9 quake, which struck southern Sumatra on September 30, left up to 1,200 people dead.

The quake shook buildings as far away as Jakarta, causing some people to leave their homes and offices. (Photo: Amee Enriquez, JG). Image may be subject to copyright.

Earthquake Details:

GFZ Potsdam – Earthquake Bulletin
Region: Sunda Strait, Indonesia
Time: 2009-10-16 09:52:55.9 UTC
Magnitude: 6.2  [Maximum quake magnitude estimated by FEWW at 6.4Mw]
Epicenter: 105.45°E 6.47°S
Depth: 64 km
Status: automatic

10-degree Map Centered at 5°S,105°E

Earthquake Location Map. Source: USGS/EHP. Enhanced by FEWW.

USGS/EHP Release

• Magnitude: 6.1 [Maximum quake magnitude estimated by FEWW at 6.4Mw]
• Date-Time:
  • Friday, October 16, 2009 at 09:52:52 UTC
  • Friday, October 16, 2009 at 04:52:52 PM at epicenter
• Location: 6.613°S, 105.182°E
• Depth: 50.6 km (31.4 miles)
• Region: SUNDA STRAIT, INDONESIA
• Distances:
  • 125 km (80 miles) S of T.-Telukbetung, Sumatra, Indonesia
  • 180 km (115 miles) WSW of JAKARTA, Java, Indonesia
  • 185 km (115 miles) W of Sukabumi, Java, Indonesia
  • 265 km (165 miles) W of Bandung, Java, Indonesia
• Location Uncertainty: horizontal +/- 6.3 km (3.9 miles); depth +/- 8.8 km (5.5 miles)
• Source: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
• Event ID:  us2009mva4

Related Links [Including FEWW forecasts]

• Powerful Earthquake Strikes Southern Sumatra, Indonesia

• Powerful Earthquake Strikes Celebes Sea, S of Philippines
• Earth undergoing significant geophysical disturbances

• Earthquakes: Human Enhanced Disasters – UPDATE 3 Oct 2009
• Earthquakes: Human Enhanced Disasters – UPDATE 2 Oct 2009
• Disaster Update: Indonesia Quake

• Two Poweful Quakes Strike Fox Islands, Alaska
• Recent Earthquakes ≥ 6.0 Mw

• Another Strong Quake Hits Sumatra
• Strong Earthquake Strikes Mindanao, Philippines
• Magnitude 8.3 Quake Strikes Samoa Islands Region

• The Largest Earthquake
• Earthquakes [Main Index Page]

• Deadly Earthquake Strikes Java, Indonesia
• Magnitude 8.3 Quake Strikes Samoa Islands Region

• Indian Ocean Earthquake Triggers Deadly Tsunami and 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake

Two Powerful Quakes Strike Fox Islands, Alaska

Two powerful Earthquakes Measuring 6.5 and 6.6 Mw Strike Fox Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska

The first earthquake a magnitude 6.5 quake struck on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 05:37:21 UTC at a depth of 18 km, followed by a swarm of smaller aftershocks and a second powerful shock measuring 6.6Mw, which struck some 15 hours later.

An earlier quake, also measuring M 6.6, struck the same region about 250km WNW of the recent cluster on October 2, 2009.
Two Powerful Quakes Strike Fox Islands, Alaska

FEWW Moderators have forecast a large earthquake for Kenai Peninsula, Southern Alaska. See links below

• Alaska Earthquake Forecast: Update 3
• Alaska Earthquake Forecast: Update 2
• Alaska Earthquake Forecast

Based on the pattern in which the recent quakes are occurring, the Moderators believe a prolonged period of powerful seismic activity in the region may have begun.

This Earthquake:

10-degree Map Centered at 55°N,170°W

Earthquake Location Map. Source: USGS/EHP. Enhanced by FEWW

• Magnitude: 6.6  [maximum quake magnitude estimated by FEWW]
• Date-Time:
  • Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 20:21:54 UTC
  • Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 12:21:54 PM at epicenter
• Location: 52.634°N, 167.149°W
• Depth: 13.7 km (8.5 miles) (poorly constrained)
• Region: FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS, ALASKA
• Distances:
  • 120 km (75 miles) ESE (106°) from Nikolski, AK
  • 146 km (90 miles) SSW (197°) from Unalaska, AK
  • 190 km (118 miles) SSW (209°) from Akutan, AK
  • 1413 km (878 miles) SW (236°) from Anchorage, AK
• Location Uncertainty: horizontal +/- 8 km (5.0 miles); depth +/- 27.6 km (17.1 miles)
• Source: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
• Event ID: us2009mscj

Related Links:

• Alaska: Magnitude 6.6 Quake Strikes Fox Islands [Oct. 2, 2009]
• Alaska Earthquake Forecast: Update 3
• Alaska Earthquake Forecast: Update 2
• Alaska Earthquake Forecast

• Earthquakes [Main Index Page]

Powerful Earthquake Strikes Celebes Sea, S of Philippines

Earthquake Measuring up to 7.1Mw Strikes Celebes Sea

Powerful earthquake measuring up to 7.1 Mw Struck Celebes Sea, SE of Jolo, Sulu Archipelago, Philippines, on Wednesday, October 07, 2009 at 21:41 UTC at a depth of about 580km.

The event followed another powerful earthquake that struck Moro Gulf (Mindanao, Philippines), on Sunday, October 04, 2009.

On September 18, 2009, after a 5.5 Mw quakes struck south of Mindanao, FEWW forecast additional, more powerful,  earthquakes for the region.

See: Latest Earthquakes Magnitude 5.5 + for FEWW Forecast.

10-degree Map Centered at 5°N,125°E

Earthquake Location Map. Source: USGS/EHP. Enhanced by FEWW

Earthquake Details:

• Magnitude: 7.1 best estimate by FEWW (downgraded by USGS/EHP to M 6.7)
• Date-Time:
  • Wednesday, October 07, 2009 at 21:41:14 UTC
  • Thursday, October 08, 2009 at 05:41:14 AM at epicenter
• Location: 4.043°N, 122.584°E
• Depth:  582.8 km (362.2 miles)
• Region: CELEBES SEA
• Distances:
  • 280 km (175 miles) SE of Jolo, Sulu Archipelago, Philippines
  • 320 km (200 miles) S of Zamboanga, Mindanao, Philippines
  • 1,185 km (730 miles) S of MANILA, Philippines
  • 2,085 km (1300 miles) ENE of JAKARTA, Java, Indonesia
• Location Uncertainty: horizontal +/- 7 km (4.3 miles); depth +/- 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Parameters: NST= 61, Nph= 64, Dmin=470.9 km, Rmss=0.83 sec, Gp= 40°,  M-type=teleseismic moment magnitude (Mw), Version=6
• Source:  USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
• Event ID: us2009mlcb

Related Links:

• Latest Earthquakes Magnitude 5.5 +
• Strong Earthquake Strikes Mindanao, Philippines

• Deadly Earthquake Strikes Java, Indonesia [Includes FEWW Forecast]
• Another Busy Day for Earthquakes [Includes FEWW Forecast]
• FEWW Earthquake Forecast: Timor Sea

• Earthquakes [Main Index page]
• Volcanoes
• FEWW Volcano Links
• Latest From TAAL and other Philippines Volcanoes
• Philippines Taal Volcano Could Erupt Anytime!

• Mayon Volcano Ejects Ash
• Mount Mayon neighbors on evacuation alert
• VolcanoWatch Weekly [16 September 2009]

• VolcanoWatch Weekly [16 September 2009]

Recent Human Enhanced Disasters Asia-Pacific

• Earthquakes: Human Enhanced Disasters – UPDATE 3 Oct 2009
• Earthquakes: Human Enhanced Disasters – UPDATE 2 Oct 2009
• Another Strong Quake Hits Sumatra
• Disaster Update: Indonesia Quake
• Powerful Earthquake Strikes Southern Sumatra, Indonesia
• Another Strong Quake Hits Sumatra
• Disaster Update: Indonesia Quake
• More Megaquakes May Strike PRF Anytime

• Magnitude 8.3 Quake Strikes Samoa Islands Region
• “Twin-engine” hurricanes, “Supercharged” Typhoons
• Super Typhoon Parma May Churn Manila to Vanila
• Bill Becomes Hurricane, Strengthening

• Philippines Extreme Rain from TS Ketsana
• Manila Flooding Could Trigger Quakes
• Philippines Worst Ever Flood Casualties Climb a Notch
• Philippines: Worst Floods in Living Memory

See also:

• Deadly Earthquake Strikes Java, Indonesia [FEWW Earthquake Forecast For Java/Bali Region]
• Magnitude 6.8 EQ Strikes BANDA SEA
• Earthquake Forecast: Timor Sea
• Australian Oil Disaster May Get a Lot Worse
• FEWW Earthquake Links

Large Earthquakes Strike South Pacific

Large Earthquakes Measuring Up to 8.2 Mw Strike Vanuatu, Santa Cruz Islands

FEWW had forecast up to 3 additional large quakes in the PRF

Large earthquake measuring up to 8.2 Mw struck Vanuatu region, south of Lata, Santa Cruz Islands, on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at 22:03 UTC  immediately followed by another shock measuring up to 8.1 Mw, and at least seven aftershocks, with the largest two measuring up to 7.6 Mw and 6.3 Mw respectively.

• FEWW Moderators believe many more massive aftershocks could occur in the region.
  

• Megaquakes should also be expected in this and other regions.
  

10-degree Map Centered at 15°S,165°E

Earthquake Location Map. Source: USGS/EHP. Enhanced by FEWW

Earthquake Details

• Magnitude:  8.2 as estimated by FEWW  [downgraded by USGS/EHP to M7.8]
• Date-Time:
  • Wednesday, October 07, 2009 at 22:03:15 UTC
  • Thursday, October 08, 2009 at 09:03:15 AM at epicenter
• Location: 13.052°S, 166.187°E
• Depth:  35 km (21.7 miles)
• Region: VANUATU
• Distances:
  • 260 km (160 miles) S of Lata, Santa Cruz Islands, Solomon Isl.
  • 295 km (180 miles) NNW of Luganville, Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
  • 785 km (490 miles) ESE of HONIARA, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
  • 2100 km (1310 miles) NE of BRISBANE, Queensland, Australia
• Location Uncertainty: horizontal +/- 7.6 km (4.7 miles); depth fixed by location program
• Parameters NST=169, Nph=169, Dmin=>999 km, Rmss=1.32 sec, Gp= 50°, M-type=teleseismic moment magnitude (Mw), Version=6
• Source: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
• Event ID: us2009mlcf

Tsunami Warning

NOAA/NWS/West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center said “a tsunami IS NOT expected along the California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, or Alaska coast. NO tsunami warning, watch or advisory is in effect for these areas.”

NWS PACIFIC TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER EWA BEACH HI had issued a tsunami watch which was later canceled with the following evaluation:

BASED ON ALL AVAILABLE DATA THERE IS NO DESTRUCTIVE TSUNAMI THREAT TO THE STATE OF HAWAII. THEREFORE THE TSUNAMI WATCH FOR HAWAII IS CANCELED.

HOWEVER, SOME COASTAL AREAS IN HAWAII COULD EXPERIENCE SMALL NON-DESTRUCTIVE SEA LEVEL CHANGES AND STRONG OR UNUSUAL CURRENTS LASTING UP TO SEVERAL HOURS. THE ESTIMATED TIME SUCH EFFECTS MIGHT BEGIN IS 0650 PM HST WED 07 OCT 2009

THIS WILL BE THE FINAL MESSAGE ISSUED FOR THIS EVENT UNLESS ADDITIONAL DATA ARE RECEIVED.

FEWW Forecast the seismic events

• Up to 3 More Large EQs Could Strike the Pacific Ring of Fire in 2009

• Deadly Earthquake Strikes Java, Indonesia
• Latest Earthquakes Magnitude 5.5 +

Strong Earthquake Strikes Mindanao, Philippines

Strong  quake measuring possibly as large as 6.9 strikes Mindanao, Philippines

Strong earthquake measuring as large as 6.9 Mw struck the seabed in Moro Gulf, Mindanao, Philippine, at a depth of about 630km, on Sunday, October 04, 2009 at 10:58 UTC.

On September 18, 2009, after a 5.5 Mw quakes struck south of Mindanao, FEWW forecast additional, more powerful earthquakes for the region.

See: Latest Earthquakes Magnitude 5.5 + for FEWW Forecast.

10-degree Map Centered at 5°N,125°E

Earthquake Location Map. Source: USGS/EHP. Enhanced by FEWW

USGS/EHP reported the quake as measuring 6.6Mw.

Earthquake Details

• Magnitude:  6.6 [Possibly as large as 6.9Mw – Moderator]
• Date-Time:
  • Sunday, October 04, 2009 at 10:58:01 UTC
  • Sunday, October 04, 2009 at 06:58:01 PM at epicenter
• Location:  6.721°N, 123.480°E
• Depth:  630.5 km (391.8 miles)
• Region: MORO GULF, MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
• Distances:
  • 100 km (65 miles) WSW of Cotabato, Mindanao, Philippines
  • 125 km (75 miles) S of Pagadian, Mindanao, Philippines
  • 155 km (95 miles) E of Zamboanga, Mindanao, Philippines
  • 915 km (570 miles) SSE of MANILA, Philippines
• Location Uncertainty: horizontal +/- 5.3 km (3.3 miles); depth +/- 7.4 km (4.6 miles)
• Parameters: NST=124, Nph=124, Dmin=235.2 km, Rmss=0.89 sec, Gp= 32°, M-type=teleseismic moment magnitude (Mw), Version=7
• Source: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
• Event ID: us2009mia8

This event has been reviewed by a seismologist, USGS/EHP said.

Related Links:

• Latest Earthquakes Magnitude 5.5 +
• Deadly Earthquake Strikes Java, Indonesia [Includes FEWW Forecast]
• Another Busy Day for Earthquakes [Includes FEWW Forecast]
• FEWW Earthquake Forecast: Timor Sea

• Earthquakes [Main Index page]
• Volcanoes
• FEWW Volcano Links
• Latest From TAAL and other Philippines Volcanoes
• Philippines Taal Volcano Could Erupt Anytime!

• Mayon Volcano Ejects Ash
• Mount Mayon neighbors on evacuation alert
• VolcanoWatch Weekly [16 September 2009]

• VolcanoWatch Weekly [16 September 2009]

Recent Human Enhanced Disasters Asia-Pacific

• Earthquakes: Human Enhanced Disasters – UPDATE 3 Oct 2009
• Earthquakes: Human Enhanced Disasters – UPDATE 2 Oct 2009
• Another Strong Quake Hits Sumatra
• Disaster Update: Indonesia Quake
• Powerful Earthquake Strikes Southern Sumatra, Indonesia
• Another Strong Quake Hits Sumatra
• Disaster Update: Indonesia Quake
• More Megaquakes May Strike PRF Anytime

• Magnitude 8.3 Quake Strikes Samoa Islands Region
• “Twin-engine” hurricanes, “Supercharged” Typhoons
• Super Typhoon Parma May Churn Manila to Vanila
• Bill Becomes Hurricane, Strengthening

• Philippines Extreme Rain from TS Ketsana
• Manila Flooding Could Trigger Quakes
• Philippines Worst Ever Flood Casualties Climb a Notch
• Philippines: Worst Floods in Living Memory

See also:

• Deadly Earthquake Strikes Java, Indonesia [FEWW Earthquake Forecast For Java/Bali Region]
• Magnitude 6.8 EQ Strikes BANDA SEA
• Earthquake Forecast: Timor Sea
• Australian Oil Disaster May Get a Lot Worse
• FEWW Earthquake Links