Archive for the 'Earthquakes' Category
May 7th, 2010 -- Posted in Earthquakes, Volcanoes |
Ash plume from Eyjafjallajökull
Updates from the Institute of Earth Sciences at the University of Icelandreport that at least 10 earthquakes have been located at Eyjafjallajökull since midnight. Most are less that magnitude 2. Measurements show continued horizontal displacement around Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Explosive activity has increased, and with considerable tephra fallout, the cinder cone continues to build. Dark ash plumes have been observed at hieight of 20,000 – 22,000 feet. Scientists have reported, “everything turned black”. The lava channels are about 30 – 60 m wide. And according to UPI, Iceland’s volcano roared back to life on Thursday. “The eruption has changed back to an explosive eruption, lava has stopped flowing and most of the magma gets scattered due to explosions in the crater,” the Icelandic Meteorological Office said.
Will more disruptions in air travel occur? Will Eyjafjallajökull volcano return to the eruptive intensity it displayed in April? Scientists continue to say that “there are no signs the eruption is about to end.”
May 2nd, 2010 -- Posted in Earthquakes |
Why has the Chilean earthquake disappeared from our radar? Is everything fine and well? Have things returned to normal in Chile? Strong aftershocks struck after the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that occurred on February 27, 2010, lasting 90 seconds and leaving hundreds dead. Since then, more than 1.5 million people have been displaced. According to those who experienced the quake, “cars lay mangled and upended on streets littered with telephone wires and power cables. A new 14-story apartment building fell.” With more than two-dozen significant aftershocks, Chile has to be in turmoil.
Did you know the ensuing tsunamis killed 500 people and caused $30 billion in damage? The earthquake triggered a tsunami which devastated several coastal towns in south-central Chile and damaged the port at Talcahuano. Tsunami warnings were issued in 53 countries, causing minor damage in San Diego and Japan.
Just hours ago, on May 2nd, USGS reported earthquakes in Chile and elsewhere in South America. And Reuters reported a 5.8 magnitude earthquake hitting central Chile. That quake was felt in Santiago but there were no reports of damage.
Sadly, it seems it will be a quite a while before things return to normal in Chile.
April 28th, 2010 -- Posted in Earthquakes |
Everyone knows California is earthquake country. But if you think living outside of California means you’re safe from experiencing an earthquake, think again. The U.S. Geological Survey provides earthquake hazard maps that reveal the true picture of danger zones in the United States. The bright red color indicates a high probability level of ground shaking.
Are you surprised to see that vivid red covering much of South Carolina? That’s due to offshore faults that could potentially shake up the Palmetto State. What about Tennessee, Missouri and Arkansas? This New Madrid Seismic Zone is of major concern to geologists due to the possibility of several large earthquakes in a region of the country not prepared for such events.
While I expected Washington and Oregon to join California on the red zone map, Wyoming and Utah are a surprise to me. The USGS updates their maps periodically to include new faults discovered, ground-motion model studies, and updated fault geometry.
April 28th, 2010 -- Posted in Earthquakes, Volcanoes |
Fierce Planet is my launch into the blogging world. This site will document the planet’s mood swings, attitudes, and actions. I will notify readers of interesting facts and events. We’ll talk about earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis and more! My blog will pay homage to the powerful planet we inhabit. At any moment nature can wreck havoc on our lives. Earth’s power can devastate us; can wipe out an entire civilization. Indeed earthly catastrophes have wiped out many an empire and many an ecosystem.
Earth is evolving as it always has. We’ll survive as long as the planet intends for mankind to survive. I know I’m not the only one fascinated by the awesome forces at work below the surface. Don’t wait until the next disaster to learn about Mother Nature. Visit this site often and you’ll be an expert when the next catastrophe strikes. Join the discussion. Leave comments. Ask questions. We’ll learn together!
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