earthquake

Hot News About Kilauea

On Kilauea in Hawaii, between January 27 and February 1, 2024, scientists have observed more than a thousand earthquakes and ground deformation that indicate pulses of magma are moving at shallow depth beneath the surface. The Hawaiian Volcanic Observatory (HVO) is closely monitoring this activity and notes that an eruption could occur with little warning.

By |2024-02-01T15:01:40-07:00February 1st, 2024|Our Amazing Earth|4 Comments

Did an Earthquake Trigger the Chavín Collapse?

Earthquakes have destroyed settlements and wreaked havoc on societies throughout human history. In my soon-to-be published book, "The Monumental Andes", I speculate that a major earthquake, perhaps combined with disastrous effects from El Nino weather patterns, could have contributed to the downfall of the Chavín culture that once flourished in the Cordillera Blanca region of modern northern Peru.

By |2024-01-18T07:20:34-07:00January 18th, 2024|Ancient Andean Cultures|6 Comments

Expanding Iceland

Erupting volcanoes are forming new real estate all around our planet. Beneath Iceland and Hawaii, hot lava upwelling from deep underground is hardening into rock. Hotspots create chains of volcanoes on these islands as a tectonic plate slowly crosses a mantle plume. In Iceland, there are also volcanic eruptions occurring from the location astride the spreading center known as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The result: LOTS of lava.

By |2022-12-03T09:55:42-07:00December 1st, 2022|Our Amazing Earth|8 Comments

Volcano and Earthquake Surprises

Earthquakes and volcanoes can provide us with surprising and unexpected new data. Just within this century, several dramatic events have increased our understanding of these natural hazards, including the catastrophic 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia, and the 2011 Tohoku earthquake in Japan. Now, examination of the events leading up to a 2021 volcanic eruption has brought new – and sobering - information.

By |2022-09-15T06:49:39-07:00September 15th, 2022|Our Amazing Earth|6 Comments

Three Ways To Survive a Tsunami

The tsunami associated with Hunga Tonga eruption has sparked renewed interest in hazards associated with earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis. A recent article about geologic hazards and preparedness especially caught my attention: “A Tsunami Could Kill Thousands. Is Escape Possible?” in the New York Times. The focus is on the Pacific Northwest- –specifically coastal communities along the states of Washington, Oregon, and northernmost California.

By |2022-02-10T09:31:05-07:00February 10th, 2022|Our Amazing Earth|2 Comments

Something Important We Know About Volcanoes

Our planet has a high level of tectonic activity. In the past few decades, disastrous earthquakes have captured our attention. A careful look at historical records, however, demonstrates that a major volcanic eruption would cause immensely more devastation that any natural event our world has experienced recently.

By |2022-02-06T11:59:39-07:00February 2nd, 2022|Our Amazing Earth|0 Comments

Tsunami Troubles

Large earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis can create shock waves felt around the world – literally. The blast from the volcanic eruption on January 15, 2022, near Tonga caused spikes in air pressure recorded around the planet. We can add this eruption in a remote part of the Pacific Ocean to our knowledge of pandemics, climate change, and numerous other interconnections that tie our planet and our societies together.

By |2022-01-19T10:05:21-07:00January 19th, 2022|Our Amazing Earth|2 Comments

Exceptional Magnitude 9 Earthquakes

Five great earthquakes of M9 or larger have been recorded in the past century and each was followed by a major tsunami, along with vast devastation and many deaths. These events have provided information to help mitigate the effects of future great earthquakes - including what to keep in the back of your mind if you experience strong earthquake shaking in coastal areas worldwide.

By |2021-08-10T08:18:36-07:00August 12th, 2021|Our Amazing Earth|4 Comments

Great Earthquakes – From Distraction to Disaster

When an M8.2 earthquake struck offshore of the Alaska Peninsula on July 28, the eerie sound of sirens warning of a possible tsunami sent people along the coast scrambling for higher ground. Authorities lifted the warning within a few hours, and damage from ground shaking was limited. Viewed from a broad perspective, this event was only a minor distraction, but many earthquakes that are this powerful result in major disasters.

By |2021-08-05T08:39:26-07:00August 5th, 2021|Our Amazing Earth|6 Comments
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