M5.9 Quake Strikes Northern Luzon, Philippines

Earthquake measuring 5.9Mw strikes northern Luzon 425 km north of Manila

The quake was centered near 18.454°N, 120.856°E and occurred on Monday, March 22, 2010 at 19:58:14 UTC , and a depth of 30km.

NO tsunami warning was issued and as of posting there were no reports of casualties or damage.

The epicenter was located about 130km north of the dacitic Ambalatungan Group of volcanoes and 130km west (282 degrees) of  the historic Cagua volcano.

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

Summary of Earthquake Details (USGS)

• Magnitude: 5.9
• Date-Time:
  • Monday, March 22, 2010 at 19:58:14 UTC
  • Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 03:58:14 AM at epicenter
• Location: 18.454°N, 120.856°E
• Depth: 42.6 km (26.5 miles)
• Region: NORTHERN LUZON, PHILIPPINES
• Distances
  • 35 km (25 miles) NE of Laoag, Luzon, Philippines
  • 185 km (115 miles) NW of Ilagan, Luzon, Philippines
  • 425 km (265 miles) N of MANILA, Philippines
  • 735 km (460 miles) S of T’AI-PEI, Taiwan
• Location Uncertainty: horizontal +/- 7.2 km (4.5 miles); depth +/- 9.6 km (6.0 miles)
• USGS: NEIC (WDCS-D)
• Event ID: us2010udbw

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology estimated the magnitude at 5.7Mw.

Recent Earthquakes

USGS Last Earthquake in the Philippines
PHIVOLC’s Latest Earthquake Information

Tectonic Information

• Tectonics and Volcanoes of the Philippines

Related Links:

• Strong Earthquake Strikes Mindanao, Philippines
• Latest From TAAL and other Philippines Volcanoes
• Philippines Taal Volcano Could Erupt Anytime!

• Major Earthquakes Increase 47 % in 3 Decades

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

Turkey Quake Update – Mar 9

Deadly Earthquake Toll Revised Down to 51

The death toll from the strong M6.0 quake that struck eastern  Turkey Monday is lowered to 51, local government officials were quoted as saying. However, the exact numbers of  the missing and injured are unclear.

A Turkish newspaper quoting local authorities, put the number of injured at less than 40, adding that there were no more bodies to be recovered.

Turkey’s Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute at Bogazici University reported 140 aftershocks, as of posting, most of which were smaller than a magnitude 3.0 shock.

A father carries his dead child wrapped in a blanket. Source: Turkeiye Newspaper. Image may be subject to copyright.

Historic Earthquakes and Fatalities (Turkey)

• 1668 08 17 – Anatolia, Turkey – M 8.0 Fatalities 8,000
• 1899 09 20 – Menderes Valley, Turkey – M 6.9 Fatalities 1,100
• 1901 12 18 – Ayvalik, Turkey (Ottoman Empire) – M 5.9
• 1903 04 28 – Turkey – M 7.0 Fatalities 3,500
• 1903 05 28 – Gole, Turkey (Ottomon Empire) – M 5.8 Fatalities 1,000
• 1912 08 09 – Murefte, Turkey (Ottoman Empire) – M 7.8 Fatalities 2,800
• 1914 10 03 – Burdur, Turkey (Ottoman Empire) – M 7.0 Fatalities 4,000
• 1939 12 26 – Erzincan, Turkey – M 7.8 Fatalities 32,700
• 1942 11 26 – Turkey – M 7.6 Fatalities 4,000
• 1942 12 20 – Erbaa, Turkey – M 7.3 Fatalities 1,100
• 1943 11 26 – Ladik, Turkey – M 7.6 Fatalities 4,000
• 1944 02 01 – Gerede, Turkey – M 7.4 Fatalities 2,790
• 1946 05 31 – Ustukran, Turkey – M 5.9 Fatalities 1,300
• 1949 08 17 – Erzurum, Turkey – M 6.8 Fatalities 320
• 1951 08 13 – Kursunlu, Turkey – M 6.7 Fatalities 50
• 1953 03 18 – Yenice-Gonen, Turkey – M 7.3 Fatalities 1,073
• 1957 04 25 – Fethiye, Turkey – M 7.1 Fatalities 15
• 1957 05 26 – Bolu Province, Turkey – M 7.1 Fatalities 66
• 1964 10 06 – Western Turkey – M 7.0 Fatalities 36
• 1965 06 13 – Denizli, Turkey – M 5.4 Fatalities 2
• 1966 08 19 – Varto, Turkey – M 6.8 Fatalities 2,529
• 1967 07 22 – Mudurnu Valley, Turkey – M 7.3 Fatalities 173
• 1968 09 03 – Bartin, Turkey – M 6.6 Fatalities 24
• 1969 03 28 – Alasehir, Turkey – M 6.4 Fatalities 11
• 1970 03 28 – Gediz, Turkey – M 6.9 Fatalities 1,086
• 1971 05 12 – Western Turkey – M 6.3
• 1971 05 22 – Eastern Turkey – M 6.9 Fatalities 1,000
• 1975 09 06 – Turkey – M 6.7 Fatalities 2,000
• 1983 10 30 – Turkey – M 6.9 Fatalities 1,342
• 1999 08 17 – Izmit, Turkey – M 7.6 Fatalities 17,118
• 1999 11 12 – Duzce, Turkey – M 7.2 Fatalities 894
• 2002 02 03 – Turkey – M 6.5 Fatalities 44
• 2003 01 27 – Turkey – M 6.1
• 2003 05 01 – Eastern Turkey – M 6.4 Fatalities 177
• 2004 07 01 – Eastern Turkey – M 5.1 Fatalities 18

Related Links:

• Deadly Quake Kills Dozens in Turkey
• Turkey Deadly Quake Update
• FEWW Earthquake Links
• Volcanoes
• FEWW Volcano Links
• Arabia Shakes
• Volcanic Explosions Could Split More Than Africa

Maps and Other Links:

• Shakemap of Eastern Turkey (USGS)
• Estimated Population Exposed (.PDF)
• Recent Earthquakes in Turkey
• Real-time Earthquake data from Turkey

Deadly Quake Kills Dozens in Turkey

UPDATE: Turkey Quake Death Toll Reaches 41: Local Sources

Strong Earthquake Measuring 6.0Mw Strikes Eastern Turkey

The quake struck at a depth of about 2 km with the epicenter located at 38.82°N, 40.50°E, on March 8, 2010 at 02:32:34UTC European Mediterranean Seismological Center reported.

The mainshock was followed by at least a dozen aftershocks, as of posting, the largest of which measured 4.4Mw.

Up to several dozen people have been killed, as of posting.  The victims were from the small village of Okcular, where dozens of houses collapse in the earthquake various sources reported a local official as saying.

• Magnitude: 5.9 [Max Mag Estimated at 6.0Mw by Fire-Earth]
• Region: EASTERN TURKEY
• Date time: 2010-03-08 at 02:32:33.5 UTC
• Location: 38.82 N ; 40.05 E
• Depth: 2 km
• Distances:
  • 74 km E Elazig (pop 298,004 ; local time 04:32 2010-03-08)
  • 16 km S Karakoçan (pop 29,735 ; local time 04:32 2010-03-08)
  • 105 km (65 miles) SSE of Erzincan
  • 625 km (390 miles) E of ANKARA (Capital of Turkish Capital)

10-degree Map Centered at 40°N,40°E

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

Seismic Hazard Map of Turkey

Other Maps

• Shakemap of Eastern Turkey (USGS)
• Estimated Population Exposed (.PDF)
  

Tectonic Summary

The tectonic map of Turkey includes the North Anatolian fault, East Anatolian fault, and Hellenic and Florence trenches. The westward movement of the Anatolian block results from (1) differences in rates of motion between the Arabian and African plates, (2) different directions of motion between the Anatolian block and Eurasian plate to the north, and (3) subduction of the African plate beneath the Anatolian block at the Hellenic and Florence trenches. The Arabian plate is moving to the north faster than the African plate, both relative to a stable Eurasian plate. The result is a westward moving wedge incorporating most of Turkey. (Source: USGS)

Seismicity Map of Turkey

Seismicity Map of Turkey shows the location of a M6.4 earthquake which struck on May 1, 2003, close to the epicenter of today’s earthquake.

Seismic Hazard Setting

Tectonic Map of Turkey


Historic Earthquakes and Fatalities (Turkey)

• 1668 08 17 – Anatolia, Turkey – M 8.0 Fatalities 8,000
• 1899 09 20 – Menderes Valley, Turkey – M 6.9 Fatalities 1,100
• 1901 12 18 – Ayvalik, Turkey (Ottoman Empire) – M 5.9
• 1903 04 28 – Turkey – M 7.0 Fatalities 3,500
• 1903 05 28 – Gole, Turkey (Ottomon Empire) – M 5.8 Fatalities 1,000
• 1912 08 09 – Murefte, Turkey (Ottoman Empire) – M 7.8 Fatalities 2,800
• 1914 10 03 – Burdur, Turkey (Ottoman Empire) – M 7.0 Fatalities 4,000
• 1939 12 26 – Erzincan, Turkey – M 7.8 Fatalities 32,700
• 1942 11 26 – Turkey – M 7.6 Fatalities 4,000
• 1942 12 20 – Erbaa, Turkey – M 7.3 Fatalities 1,100
• 1943 11 26 – Ladik, Turkey – M 7.6 Fatalities 4,000
• 1944 02 01 – Gerede, Turkey – M 7.4 Fatalities 2,790
• 1946 05 31 – Ustukran, Turkey – M 5.9 Fatalities 1,300
• 1949 08 17 – Erzurum, Turkey – M 6.8 Fatalities 320
• 1951 08 13 – Kursunlu, Turkey – M 6.7 Fatalities 50
• 1953 03 18 – Yenice-Gonen, Turkey – M 7.3 Fatalities 1,073
• 1957 04 25 – Fethiye, Turkey – M 7.1 Fatalities 15
• 1957 05 26 – Bolu Province, Turkey – M 7.1 Fatalities 66
• 1964 10 06 – Western Turkey – M 7.0 Fatalities 36
• 1965 06 13 – Denizli, Turkey – M 5.4 Fatalities 2
• 1966 08 19 – Varto, Turkey – M 6.8 Fatalities 2,529
• 1967 07 22 – Mudurnu Valley, Turkey – M 7.3 Fatalities 173
• 1968 09 03 – Bartin, Turkey – M 6.6 Fatalities 24
• 1969 03 28 – Alasehir, Turkey – M 6.4 Fatalities 11
• 1970 03 28 – Gediz, Turkey – M 6.9 Fatalities 1,086
• 1971 05 12 – Western Turkey – M 6.3
• 1971 05 22 – Eastern Turkey – M 6.9 Fatalities 1,000
• 1975 09 06 – Turkey – M 6.7 Fatalities 2,000
• 1983 10 30 – Turkey – M 6.9 Fatalities 1,342
• 1999 08 17 – Izmit, Turkey – M 7.6 Fatalities 17,118
• 1999 11 12 – Duzce, Turkey – M 7.2 Fatalities 894
• 2002 02 03 – Turkey – M 6.5 Fatalities 44
• 2003 01 27 – Turkey – M 6.1
• 2003 05 01 – Eastern Turkey – M 6.4 Fatalities 177
• 2004 07 01 – Eastern Turkey – M 5.1 Fatalities 18

Related Links:

• FEWW Earthquake Links
• Volcanoes
• FEWW Volcano Links
• Arabia Shakes
• Volcanic Explosions Could Split More Than Africa

Other Links:

• Recent Earthquakes in Turkey
• Real-time Earthquake data from Turkey

The 9th Powerful Quake Strikes Japan Region

The 9th powerful Earthquake (of a possible series of 14) Measuring 6.9 Mw Strikes Ryukyu Isles, Japan

A powerful earthquake measuring 6.9 Mw struck near Naha, Okinawa, Japan at a depth of 10km on February 26, 2010 at 20:31UTC. The mainshock was followed by a magnitude 5.1 aftershock which occurred on February 27, 2010 at 00:49 UTC, USGS reported.

Background:

• 8th Strong Quake Strikes Ryukyu Islands, Japan
• Seventh Powerful Quake Hits Japan Region
• 6th Strong Quake Strikes Near Ryukyu Isles, Japan
• 5th Strong Quake Strikes Japan Region
• 6 to 8 more strong EQs may yet strike region
• Earthquake Forecast: Tokyo, Japan

Referring to an earlier forecast, FEWW Moderators believe an additional series of 5 or so quakes measuring ≥ 6.0 Mw could strike Japan region in the coming weeks.

10-degree Map Centered at 25°N,130°E

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

Earthquake Location Map. Source: USGS/EHP.

Political Map of Japan.

Earthquake Information Issued by JMA at 05:31 JST 27 Feb 2010

Occurred at (JST)	Latitude	Longitude	Depth	Mag.	Region Name
5:31 JST 27 Feb 2010	26.3ºN	128.2ºE	10km	6.9Mw	Okinawa-honto Kinkai

Approximate Distances (USGS):

• 80 km (50 miles) ESE of Naha, Okinawa, Japan
• 455 km (285 miles) ENE of Ishigaki-jima, Ryukyu Islands, Japan
• 665 km (415 miles) SSW of Kagoshima, Kyushu, Japan
• 1530 km (950 miles) SW of TOKYO, Japan

Tsunami Details

At 05:33 JST 27 Feb 2010   JMA Issued a Tsunami Warning for

• OKINAWA ISLANDS

Residents were advised to:  “Evacuate from the seashore immediately to the safe places near the above coasts.”

A Tsunami Advisory was issued  for

• AMAMI ISLANDS AND TOKARA ISLANDS
• DAITOJIMA AREA
• MIYAKOJIMA AND YAEYAMA AREA

At 07:01 JST 27 Feb 2010 JMA canceled all tsunami warnings and advisories: “No tsunami damage at the above coasts though there may be slight sea level changes from now on.”

JMA Tsunami code:
Tsunami Warning: “Tsunami height is expected to be up to 2 meters, keep watch on tsunamis.”
Tsunami Advisory: “Tsunami height is expected to be about 0.5 meters, pay attention to tsunamis.”

Fire-Earth anticipates intense (above average) seismic activity and volcanic unrest/activity in the Japan Region throughout 2010 and beyond.

Related Links:

• 8th Strong Quake Strikes Ryukyu Islands, Japan [February 7, 2010]
• Seventh Powerful Quake Hits Japan Region [October 30, 2009]
• 6th Strong Quake Strikes Near Ryukyu Isles, Japan [September 29, 2009]
• Strong Quake Strikes Near Shizuoka, Japan [August 11, 2009]
• 5th Strong Quake Strikes Japan Region [August 17, 2009]

• 4th Powerful Quake Strikes Japan Region [August 17, 2009]
• 3rd Powerful Quake in 3 Days Strikes Japan Region [August 13, 2009]
• Strong Quake Strikes Near Shizuoka, Japan [August 10, 2009]
• Powerful Earthquake Strikes Near Izu Islands, Japan [August 9, 2009]
• M 6.4 Quake Strikes SW Ryukkyu Isls, Japan [August 5, 2009]

• Magnitude 6.3 quake strikes Taiwan region
• Earthquakes [Links Page]
• Earthquake Forecast: Tokyo, Japan

8th Strong Quake Strikes Ryukyu Islands, Japan

Eighth Strong Earthquake Measuring 6.6Mw Strikes Japan Region

Background:

• Seventh Powerful Quake Hits Japan Region
• 6th Strong Quake Strikes Near Ryukyu Isles, Japan
• 5th Strong Quake Strikes Japan Region
• 6 to 8 more strong EQs may yet strike region
• Earthquake Forecast: Tokyo, Japan

Referring to an earlier forecast, FEWW Moderators believe an additional series of 5 – 6 quakes measuring ≥ 6.0 Mw could strike Japan region in the coming weeks.

FEWW Moderators had previously anticipated more powerful earthquakes in the region, including as many as 10 additional magnitude 6+ quakes to strike the region in the coming weeks.

Earthquake Information Issued by JMA at 15:15 JST 07 Feb 2010

Occurred at (JST)	Latitude	Longitude	Depth	Mag.	Region Name
15:10 JST 07 Feb 2010	23.4ºN	124.0ºE	10km	6.6Mw	Ishigakijima Kinkai

Approximate distances (USGS)

• 115 km (70 miles) SSW of Ishigaki-jima, Ryukyu Islands, Japan
• 225 km (140 miles) ESE of Hua-lien, Taiwan
• 225 km (140 miles) ESE of Su-ao, Taiwan
• 2055 km (1280 miles) SW of TOKYO, Japan

Note: USGS/EHP has again downgraded the quake by 0.2 order of magnitude to 6.4Mw

Tsunami Forecast/Watch

JMA Issued a Tsunami Forecast at 15:13 JST 07 Feb 2010 for MIYAKOJIMA and YAEYAMA areas saying that tsunami height was expected to be about 0.5 meters.
However, the tsunami watch was later canceled. JMA said: “No tsunami damage at some of the other coasts though there may be slight sea level changes.:

Fire-Earth anticipates intense seismic activity and volcanic unrest/activity in the Japan Region throughout 2010 and beyond.

10-degree Map Centered at 25°N,125°E

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

Political Map of Japan.

Related Links:

• Seventh Powerful Quake Hits Japan Region [October 30, 2009]
• 6th Strong Quake Strikes Near Ryukyu Isles, Japan [September 29, 2009]
• Strong Quake Strikes Near Shizuoka, Japan [August 11, 2009]
• 5th Strong Quake Strikes Japan Region [August 17, 2009]
• 4th Powerful Quake Strikes Japan Region [August 17, 2009]
• 3rd Powerful Quake in 3 Days Strikes Japan Region [August 13, 2009]
• Strong Quake Strikes Near Shizuoka, Japan [August 10, 2009]
• Powerful Earthquake Strikes Near Izu Islands, Japan [August 9, 2009]
• M 6.4 Quake Strikes SW Ryukkyu Isls, Japan [August 5, 2009]
• Magnitude 6.3 quake strikes Taiwan region
• Earthquakes [Links Page]
• Earthquake Forecast: Tokyo, Japan

Strong Earthquake Strikes Offshore N Calif

Earthquake measuring up to 6.1 Mw strikes offshore  northern California

Strong earthquake measuring up to 6.1Mw struck offshore northern California about 56 km (35 miles) WNW (282°) of Petrolia, CA, Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 20:20 UTC.

The earthquake was felt as far north as  Oregon’s Grant Passs, south to  San Francisco and east to Redding, reports said.

The quake occurred about 27km (17 miles) southwest of the M6.7 January 10 (UTC) quake that shook Ferndale and Humboldt Hill, CA.

Earthquake Location

Click image to enlarge. Source: NEIC/USGS

Tsunami Info

Although the quake struck at a depth of about 11 km, it wasn’t strong enough to create a significant tsunami.

Injury/Damage

Items reportedly fell from walls and shelves but there was no reports of serious damage, or any injuries as of posting.

The January 10 quake (UTC) caused at least $40 million in damage and a serious injury when an elderly woman broke her hip in a fall, Mercury News reported.

Earthquake Details:

• Magnitude as reported by USGS: 5.9 [Max magnitude estimated by Fire-Earth: 6.1Mw]
• Date-Time:
  • Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 20:20:21 UTC
  • Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 12:20:21 PM at epicenter
• Location: 40.431°N, 124.929°W
• Depth: 11.2 km (7.0 miles)
• Region: OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
• Distances:
  • 56 km (35 miles) WNW (282°) from Petrolia, CA
  • 59 km (36 miles) WSW (254°) from Ferndale, CA
  • 68 km (42 miles) WSW (256°) from Fortuna, CA
  • 76 km (47 miles) WSW (239°) from Eureka, CA
  • 363 km (225 miles) NW (306°) from Sacramento, CA

• Location Uncertainty: horizontal +/- 1.4 km (0.9 miles); depth +/- 2 km (1.2 miles)
• Source:
  • California Integrated Seismic Net:
  • USGS Caltech CGS UCB UCSD UNR
• Event ID: nc71348851

Shakemap

Earthquake Shakemap. Source: CISN/USGS

Seismic hazard Map

Click image to enlarge.

USGS Quaternary Fault and Fold Database for the United States: Eureka 1° x 2° Sheet

Click image to enlarge.


Cascadia Subduction Zone

Cascadia Subduction Zone. Source: USGS

Quake Animations

• USA
• World

• California/Nevada

• San Francisco Bay Area
• Los Angeles Area
• Long Valley Area
• Parkfield Area

• Intermountain West

• Utah/Yellowstone
• Yellowstone National Park

Related Links:

• Strong Quake Strikes Offshore N California
  Volcanoes
  Earthquakes
  FEWW Volcano Links
  California Earthquake Forecast – Update 3

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

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]

Another Strong Quake Hits Sumatra

Magnitude 6.8 quake strikes southern Sumatra, Indonesia

A v.  strong earthquake measuring 6.8Mw struck the southern Sumatra region about 226 km SE of Padang at a depth of 10 km on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 01:52: 29UTC, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Center reported.

The mainshock was followed by an aftershock measuring 5.2 Mw about 28 minutes later.

Earthquake Details:

Magnitude: 6.8 Mw
Region:  SOUTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA

Date time: 2009-10-01 at 01:52:28.9 UTC
Location: 2.52 S ; 101.66 E
Depth: 10 km
Distances

• 157 km NW Bengkulu (pop 309,712 ; local time 08:52 2009-10-01)
• 59 km SE Sungaipenuh (pop 95,913 )
• 226 km SE of Padang  (pop ~ 1  million)
• 490 km (310 miles) SSW of SINGAPORE
• 698 km (434 miles) NW of JAKARTA, Java, Indonesia

Southern Sumatra has region has experienced an average of about 5 earthquakes measuring 7 Mw or greater per year since 1900.

Earthquake Location Map. Original map: USGS/EHP. Enhanced by FEWW

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

Related Links

• Disaster Update: Indonesia Quake
• Powerful Earthquake Strikes Southern Sumatra, Indonesia
• Deadly Earthquake Strikes Java, Indonesia
• Magnitude 8.3 Quake Strikes Samoa Islands Region
• The Largest Earthquake
• Earthquakes [Main Index Page]

Magnitude 6.8 EQ Strikes BANDA SEA

Powerful Earthquake measuring 6.8Mw strikes Banda Sea

Magnitude 6.8 underwater earthquake struck Banda Sea about 200km SSE of Baubau, Sulawesi, Indonesia, at a depth of 633.2 km, on Friday, August 28, 2009 at 01:51 UTC, USGS/EHP reported.

10-degree Map Centered at 5°S,125°E

Earthquake Location Map. Original map: USGS EHP. Image upgraded by FEWW.

Details of this Earthquake

• Magnitude: 6.8
• Date-Time:
  • Friday, August 28, 2009 at 01:51:19 UTC
• Location: 7.117°S, 123.444°E
• Depth: 633.2 km
• Region:  BANDA SEA
• Distances
  • 200 km (125 miles) SSE of Baubau, Sulawesi, Indonesia
  • 275 km (170 miles) NE of Ende, Flores, Indonesia
  • 1005 km (620 miles) NW of DARWIN, Northern Territory, Australia
  • 1845 km (1150 miles) E of JAKARTA, Java, Indonesia
• Location Uncertainty:  horizontal +/- 7.3 km (4.5 miles); depth +/- 13.1 km (8.1 miles)
• Parameters: NST= 69, Nph= 69, Dmin=470.3 km, Rmss=0.97 sec, Gp= 40°, M-type=teleseismic moment magnitude (Mw), Version=7
• Source: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
• Event ID: us2009kwae

The earthquake occurred about 76km north of  Batu Tara Volcano, located on the tiny Island of  Pulau Komba in the Banda Sea.

Historic Seismicity (Mag 7+ since 1900)

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

Tsunami Report:

There was NO tsunami reported, possibly because the quake occurred at a depth  of more than 633km.

Related Links:

• Earthquake Forecast: Timor Sea
• FEWW Earthquake Links

3rd Powerful Quake in 3 Days Strikes Japan Region

More Powerful Quakes May Strike Region:FEWW

Magnitude 6.7 Mw the third significant quake to strike Japan region in three days

Another powerful earthquake measuring 6.7Mw occurred about 60km ESE of Hachijo-jima, Izu Islands, Japan Region, USGS reported, striking at a depth of 51 km at 22:48:51 UTC on Wednesday.

A moderate aftershock measuring 4.7 reportedly occurred about three hours later, on Thursday, August 13, 2009 at 01:53:06 UTC [USGS Event ID: us2009kgad.]  See smaller square in red superimposed on the mainshock marked in orange.

10-degree Map Centered at 35°N,140°E

Earthquake Location Map. Source: USGS

This Earthquake

• Magnitude: 6.7
• Date-Time:
  • Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 22:48:51 UTC
  • Thursday, August 13, 2009 at 07:48:51 AM at epicenter
• Location: 32.816°N, 140.382°E
• Depth: 51 km (31.7 miles) set by location program
• Region: IZU ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION
• Distances:
  • 60 km (40 miles) ESE of Hachijo-jima, Izu Islands, Japan
  • 300 km (190 miles) SE of Shizuoka, Honshu, Japan
  • 320 km (200 miles) S of TOKYO, Japan
  • 325 km (200 miles) SE of Hamamatsu, Honshu, Japan
• Location Uncertainty:  horizontal +/- 5.6 km (3.5 miles); depth fixed by location program
• Parameters:  NST=156, Nph=156, Dmin=>999 km, Rmss=1 sec, Gp= 58°, M-type=teleseismic moment magnitude (Mw), Version=8
• Source: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
• Event ID: us2009kfcp

This earthquake was the third significant seismic event to strike Japan region in just over 72 hours.

1. A powerful earthquake measuring 7.1Mw struck about 165km W of Hachijo-jima, Izu Islands, Japan, at a depth of 303.1km at on August 9, 2009 at 10:55:56 UTC. [EQ No 1 on the location map below.]

2. A strong earthquake measuring 6.4 occurred about 30km SSW of Shizuoka, Japan, at a depth of 30km at 20:07:07 UTC on Monday, August 10, 2009. [No 2 on the location map below.]

3. A 3rd earthquake [this report] measuring 6.7 occurred about 60km ESE of Hachijo-jima, Izu Islands, Japan region at a depth of 51 km at 22:48:51 UTC on August 12, 2009. [No 3 on the location map below.]

Location map of the three significant earthquakes that struck Japan between 9 and 12 August 2009. Original Map: USGS

Earthquake Location Maps [USGS]

Major Tectonic Boundaries: Subduction Zones -purple, Ridges -red and Transform Faults -green [Source: USGS]

Seismic Hazard Map

Major Tectonic Boundaries: Subduction Zones -purple, Ridges -red and Transform Faults -green [Source: USGS]

Historic Seismicity

Major Tectonic Boundaries: Subduction Zones -purple, Ridges -red and Transform Faults -green [Source: USGS]

Tsunami Information

Japan Meteorological Agency reported NO tsunami damage by this earthquake, but said there may be slight sea level changes in the region.

Related Links:

• Strong Quake Strikes Near Shizuoka, Japan
• Powerful Earthquake Strikes Near Izu Islands, Japan
• Earthquakes [Links Page]
• Earthquake Forecast: Tokyo, Japan
• M 6.4 Quake Strikes SW Ryukkyu Isls, Japan
• Magnitude 6.3 quake strikes Taiwan region

Strong Quake Strikes Near Shizuoka, Japan

Magnitude 6.4 Quake strikes Near Shizuoka, the South Coast of Honshu, Japan

A strong earthquake measuring 6.4Mw occurred about 30km SSW of Shizuoka, Japan, USGS reported, striking at a depth of 30km at 20:07:07 UTC on Monday.

The mainshock was followed by a cluster of a dozen aftershocks, the largest of which has measured about 3.9 so far.

Japan’s broadcaster, NHK, reported that the quake had rattled buildings in Tokyo, and that bullet train services had been halted pending track inspection.

10-degree Map Centered at 35°N,140°E

Earthquake Location Map. Source: USGS

Earthquake Details

• Magnitude: 6.4
• Date-Time:
  • Monday, August 10, 2009 at 20:07:07 UTC
  • Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 05:07:07 AM at epicenter
• Location: 34.727°N, 138.278°E
• Depth: 26.8 km (16.7 miles)
• Region: NEAR THE SOUTH COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
• Distances
  • 30 km (20 miles) SSW of Shizuoka, Honshu, Japan
  • 55 km (35 miles) E of Hamamatsu, Honshu, Japan
  • 110 km (70 miles) SSW of Kofu, Honshu, Japan
  • 170 km (105 miles) SW of TOKYO, Japan
• Location Uncertainty: horizontal +/- 9.7 km (6.0 miles); depth +/- 3.6 km (2.2 miles)
• Parameters: NST= 74, Nph= 75, Dmin=708 km, Rmss=1.24 sec, Gp= 50°,  M-type=body wave magnitude (Mb), Version=6
• Source:  USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
• Event: ID us2009kdb4

Japan Meteorological Agency seismic intensity scale

The map shows the regions where the maximum observed Seismic Intensity was 3 or greater [see date and time.] JMA Seismic Intensity scale is divided into 10 categories: Scales  0 to 4, 5 lower, 5 upper, 6 lower, 6 upper and 7. For an explanation of the intensity see: Japan Meteorological Agency seismic intensity scale. Image Copyright Japan Meteorological Agency.

Tsunami Advisory

Japan’s Meteorological agency, which registered the quake as 6.6, issued an initial tsunami advisory based on its observation at on august 111, 2009 at 07:13 local time, and reported up to 60cm waves at Yaizu. The initial tsunami advisory was  canceled soon after. No tsunami damage was reported.

Initial Tsunami Observation

Copyright Japan Meteorological Agency

Maximum Tsunami Observation –Tsunami Information NUMBER 6
Issued at 06:22 JST 11 Aug 2009

Copyright Japan Meteorological Agency

A Seismically Intense Day or So!

In a 35-hr period between August 9,  2009,  at 10:55:56  and August 10,  at 20:07:08  5 strong to powerful earthquake struck the Pacific Ring of Fire and Andaman Islands.

Items listed are in order of  L to R:)   Magnitude, Date, Time, Latitude (degrees), Longitude (degrees), Depth, Locatoion

• 7.1   2009/08/09   10:55:56    33.144   138.040   303.1     IZU ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION
• 6.6   2009/08/10   04:06:32    -11.596   166.093   42.8      SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS
• 5.7   2009/08/10   17:46:28    -3.127     143.179    35.0      NEAR NORTH COAST OF NEW GUINEA, P.N.G.
• 7.6   2009/08/10   19:55:39    14.013    92.923       33.1      ANDAMAN ISLANDS, INDIA REGION
• 6.4   2009/08/10   20:07:08   34.727   138.278    26.8       NEAR THE SOUTH COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN

Source: USGS/WSJ on line. The map doesn’t include the Mag 7.1 Izu Isles quake

Related Links:

• Powerful Earthquake Strikes Near Izu Islands, Japan

• Earthquakes [Links Page]
• Earthquake Forecast: Tokyo, Japan
• M 6.4 Quake Strikes SW Ryukkyu Isls, Japan
• Magnitude 6.3 quake strikes Taiwan region

Powerful Quake Strikes Near Andaman Isls, India

Magnitude 7.6 Quake Strikes Near Andaman Islands, India Region

Earthquake Location Map. Source: USGS
Earthquake Details

• Magnitude: 7.6
• Date-Time
  • Monday, August 10, 2009 at 19:55:39 UTC
  • Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 01:55:39 AM at epicenter
• Location: 14.013°N, 92.923°E
• Depth: 33.1 km (20.6 miles)
• Region: ANDAMAN ISLANDS, INDIA REGION
• Distances:
  • 260 km (160 miles) N of Port Blair, Andaman Islands, India
  • 365 km (225 miles) SSW of Pathein (Bassein), Myanmar
  • 825 km (510 miles) W of BANGKOK, Thailand
  • 2295 km (1420 miles) SE of NEW DELHI, Delhi, India
• Location Uncertainty:  horizontal +/- 9.8 km (6.1 miles); depth +/- 5.7 km (3.5 miles)
• Parameters: NST= 64, Nph= 64, Dmin=833.8 km, Rmss=0.86 sec, Gp= 72°, M-type=(unknown type), Version=6
• Source: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
• Event ID: us2009kdb2

Seismic Hazard Map [USGS]

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

Historic Seismicity

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

Source: USGS

Tsunami Evaluation:

SEA LEVEL READINGS INDICATE THAT A SIGNIFICANT TSUNAMI WAS NOT
GENERATED. THEREFORE THE TSUNAMI WATCH ISSUED BY THIS CENTER
IS NOW CANCELED.

• Pacific Tsunami Warning Center

Related Links:

• Earthquakes [Links Page]
• Volcanoes
  
• FEWW Volcano Links
• Volcano Watch: Headlines

Powerful Earthquake Strikes Near Izu Islands, Japan

Magnitude 7.1 Quake Occurs Near Izu Islands, Japan Region

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.1Mw occurred about 165km W of Hachijo-jima, Izu Islands, Japan, USGS reported, striking at a depth of 303.1km at 10:55:56 UTC.

Japan’s Meteorological agency said there was NO tsunami threat caused by this earthquake.

According to Reuters News Agency, quoting the national broadcaster, NHK, some high-speed train services were briefly suspended, while the tracks were checked, but no damage was reported.

This event raises the probability of FEWW forecast for Tokyo region to about 0.9 (86%).

Earthquake details:

• Magnitude: 7.1
• Date-Time
  • Sunday, August 09, 2009 at 10:55:56 UTC
  • Sunday, August 09, 2009 at 07:55:56 PM at epicenter
• Location: 33.144°N, 138.040°E
• Depth: 303.1 km (188.3 miles)
• Region: IZU ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION
• Distances
  • 165 km (100 miles) W of Hachijo-jima, Izu Islands, Japan
  • 175 km (110 miles) S of Hamamatsu, Honshu, Japan
  • 205 km (130 miles) S of Shizuoka, Honshu, Japan
  • 320 km (200 miles) SSW of TOKYO, Japan
• Location Uncertainty: horizontal +/- 5 km (3.1 miles); depth +/- 8.9 km (5.5 miles)
• Parameters: NST=201, Nph=201, Dmin=668.8 km, Rmss=0.85 sec, Gp= 29°, M-type=teleseismic moment magnitude (Mw), Version=7
• Source: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
• Event ID: us2009kcaz

10-degree Map Centered at 35°N,140°E

Earthquake Location Map. Source: USGS

Earthquake Location. [USGS.]

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

For additional location maps click here.

Historic Seismicity [Source: USGS]

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

Seismic Hazard Map [Source: USGS]

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

Related Links:

• Earthquakes [Links Page]
• Earthquake Forecast: Tokyo, Japan
• M 6.4 Quake Strikes SW Ryukkyu Isls, Japan
• Magnitude 6.3 quake strikes Taiwan region