Experts Say Three Recent Powerful Earthquakes Are Not Related
9 reported
A 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck rural northern California on Wednesday, followed hours later by a 7.2-magnitude quake off Japan’s northern coast and two powerful earthquakes in Venezuela. The three events occurred within an eight-hour span, prompting online speculation about a possible connection. Experts from the US Geological Survey and UCLA stated the timing was a coincidence and that the earthquakes are not related. While all occurred along well-known plate boundaries with high seismic hazard, scientists noted that earthquakes happen daily worldwide and that a cascade effect across thousands of miles is highly unusual. The initial 7.1-magnitude quake in Venezuela likely triggered a subsequent 7.5-magnitude quake due to their proximity. At least 188 people have been confirmed dead in Venezuela from the ongoing calamity.
What’s reported
A 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck rural northern California on Wednesday.
A 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit the northern coast of Japan hours later.
Two powerful earthquakes rocked Venezuela in a devastating mass casualty event.
The three events occurred within an eight-hour span.
Experts say the earthquakes are not related; the timing was a coincidence.
All occurred along well-known plate boundaries with high seismic hazard, according to William Barnhart of the US Geological Survey.
Martin Hudson, an adjunct professor at UCLA, said it is unusual for earthquakes thousands of miles apart to be related.
The initial 7.1-magnitude quake in Venezuela likely triggered the ensuing 7.5-magnitude quake due to proximity.
At least 188 people have been confirmed dead in Venezuela.
Key figures
William Barnhart, assistant coordinator for the US Geological Survey’s earthquake hazards program
Martin Hudson, adjunct professor of civil and environmental engineering at UCLA
Sources: The Guardian
