A ‘domino’ phenomenon is not excluded after earthquake of 8.8 Richter that hit the Far East of Russia On July 30, with a possible activation of a neighboring rift, as explained by AUTH Seismology Professor Manolis Skordilis.
Mr Skordilis recalls that the Kamchatka region in Russia has a strong tectonic activity and that strong earthquakes can occur there at any time.
“If a neighboring rift is already in a phase of tension, such a strong earthquake can be enough to activate it. It is not a rule, but in such an active zone as the Ring of Fire in the Pacific, it is quite likely, “he told RES/EIA.
Example since 1999: Izmit – Aegean – Parnitha
Mr Skordilis typically states the example of 1999: After the 7.6 earthquake in Izmit, Turkey in August of that year, the following day two earthquakes over 5 Richter occurred in the North Aegean, and a few weeks later, on September 7, the catastrophe.
“Such sequences show that large earthquakes can also have an impact on remote areas,” he notes.
Kamchatka is known for its strong seismic activity. In 1952 there was an earthquake of 9 Richter, the strongest in the history of the area. According to the professor, such events often cause long -term seismic sequences, without accurately predicting where and when the next strong aftershock will occur.
As for the recent earthquake, the focus was detected at a depth of about 20 kilometers below the seabed. It is expected that there is a geomorphological change, but the first estimates show that the shift of the seabed was not great – which also explains the absence of a strong tsunami.
Tectonic zone with constant pressure
The professor recalls that the so -called fire ring forms a huge bow around the Pacific and is a point of conflict with important lithospheric plaques. “The Pacquet of the Pacific is west of the Eurasian. In the earthquake area is the Plaka of Ochotskiki, a small tectonic section associated with the North America plate. It is the most active seismic zone on the planet, with a strong volcanoes due to the constant conflict of tectonic plates. “