A magnitude 4.0 earthquake was detected off the coast of Western Australia, 260 kilometers from Albany, at a depth of 10 kilometers. This follows a magnitude 4.1 earthquake in New South Wales, prompting warnings of continued seismic activity in both regions, with experts noting the potential for aftershocks.
On Thursday, a magnitude 4.0 earthquake occurred off the coast of Western Australia, approximately 260 kilometers from Albany. The seismic event was detected at a depth of 10 kilometers at 10:45 AM local time. This incident follows closely after a magnitude 4.1 earthquake that struck New South Wales two days earlier, resulting in significant disruptions, including power outages for numerous residents. Geoscience Australia reported that more than 300 individuals felt the impact of the NSW quake, which took place 7 kilometers from Denman at a similar depth, validating concerns about increased seismic activity in the region. According to senior seismologist Dr. Hadi Ghasemi, the earthquakes in New South Wales are part of a ‘swarm sequence,’ which suggests the likelihood of continued seismic events in the near future. Residents in the affected mining town of Muswellbrook have been warned to expect numerous aftershocks following the recent seismic activity. Ghasemi stated, “In earthquake swarms, you have a series of the earthquakes with similar size magnitudes — it’s not like an aftershock sequence.” He noted that since a magnitude 4.7 quake in August, the region has experienced over 50 earthquakes, four of which surpassed a magnitude of 4. Dr. Ghasemi cautioned that while previous magnitude 4 quakes in the area led to smaller aftershocks, the ongoing swarm activity could result in persistent seismic occurrences for an extended period of time. The quake in Western Australia was located off the coast of the D’Entrecasteaux National Park, around 315 kilometers south of Perth, although the residents have not yet reported significant issues following this recent earthquake. As the geological community monitors this situation, it remains imperative for residents in regions prone to seismic activity to stay informed and prepared for potential aftershocks and additional seismic events.
Earthquakes are natural phenomena resulting from the sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust. This release of energy creates seismic waves, which are what people feel during an earthquake. The occurrence of earthquake swarms, as observed in the recent seismic activity in New South Wales and Western Australia, is characterized by a series of earthquakes happening in close succession in a localized area. Understanding the patterns and causes of such swarms is essential for effective risk management and public safety. As seismic activity can vary in frequency and intensity, experts closely monitor these events to better predict future occurrences and inform local communities.
The recent magnitude 4.0 earthquake offshore from Albany, Western Australia, alongside the magnitude 4.1 quake in New South Wales, highlights the current heightened seismic activity in these regions. The phenomenon of earthquake swarms, as noted by experts, suggests that residents should remain vigilant as further tremors may occur in the coming days or even months. Authorities, including Dr. Hadi Ghasemi from Geoscience Australia, continue to provide guidance and information to ensure community preparedness in the face of potential aftershocks.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
