Magnitude 4.0 Earthquake Strikes Off Western Australia Coast
A magnitude 4.0 earthquake was detected 260km off the coast of Western Australia, occurring after a magnitude 4.1 quake in New South Wales. Experts anticipate more seismic activity, highlighting the potential for aftershocks in both regions.
A magnitude 4.0 earthquake has been detected off the coast of Western Australia, occurring approximately 260 kilometers from Albany at a depth of 10 kilometers at around 10:45 AM local time on Thursday. This seismic event follows closely after a magnitude 4.1 earthquake that occurred in New South Wales on Tuesday, which left thousands without power and was felt across several regions including the Hunter Valley and Sydney. The earlier NSW earthquake was recorded 7 kilometers from Denman in the Upper Hunter Region and positioned 250 kilometers north of Sydney, with its depth also being 10 kilometers. Geoscience Australia reported over 300 citizens felt the tremor in various locations, emphasizing the earthquake’s impact on the community. Experts indicate that this seismic activity is part of a larger ‘swarm sequence’, anticipating further seismic events in the near future. Dr. Hadi Ghasemi, a senior seismologist at Geoscience Australia, elaborated on the phenomenon, stating, “In earthquake swarms, you have a series of earthquakes with similar size magnitudes — it is not like an aftershock sequence.” He cautioned that the NSW mining town of Muswellbrook could witness “hundreds to thousands” of aftershocks following their recent quakes, and historically, the region has experienced over 50 earthquakes since August, including four with magnitudes exceeding 4. Dr. Ghasemi continued, remarking on the possibility of continued seismic activity, asserting that smaller aftershocks typically follow magnitude-4 events. He further noted, “But then again, with the swarm activity, this kind of activity may continue for months or even years to come.”
The recent seismic activity off the coast of Western Australia, along with the events in New South Wales, underscores a concerning trend of increased earthquake frequency in Australia. The magnitude 4.1 earthquake in NSW caused significant disruptions, and experts believe it to be part of a swarm of seismic activities expected to impact the region for an extended period. Understanding the nature of these swarms is vital for public safety and preparedness, especially in areas with a history of earthquakes.
In summary, the magnitude 4.0 earthquake off the Western Australian coast signals ongoing geological activity in the region, occurring shortly after a similar event in New South Wales. This pattern of seismic swarms raises concerns about future tremors, prompting officials and seismologists to inform residents of the likelihood of aftershocks. The region’s historical data indicates a tendency for sustained seismic activity, necessitating vigilance among local communities.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
