Major Earthquake Zones - World | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year PDF Download

 Page 1


Major Earthquake Zones
The World's Major Earthquake Zones
Introduction
The Global Seismic Hazard Assessment Program, a United Nations-sponsored
initiative, embarked on a multi-year project to develop a comprehensive
worldwide map of earthquake zones. This groundbreaking endeavor aimed to aid
nations in preparing for future earthquakes and implementing measures to
mitigate potential damage and reduce casualties. Scientists meticulously
examined seismic activity across the globe, studying historical earthquake records
and conducting extensive research. As a result, they created the most accurate
map of global seismic activity to date. Although the project concluded in 1999,
the accumulated data, including maps of the world's most active earthquake
zones, remains readily accessible.
North America: A Region of Prominent Earthquake Zones
North America encompasses several significant earthquake zones. Among them,
one noteworthy area is situated along Alaska's central coast, extending northward
to Anchorage and Fairbanks. Alaska experienced one of the most powerful
earthquakes in modern history, registering 9.2 on the Richter scale, in Prince
William Sound during 1964. Another seismic zone spans from British Columbia to
Page 2


Major Earthquake Zones
The World's Major Earthquake Zones
Introduction
The Global Seismic Hazard Assessment Program, a United Nations-sponsored
initiative, embarked on a multi-year project to develop a comprehensive
worldwide map of earthquake zones. This groundbreaking endeavor aimed to aid
nations in preparing for future earthquakes and implementing measures to
mitigate potential damage and reduce casualties. Scientists meticulously
examined seismic activity across the globe, studying historical earthquake records
and conducting extensive research. As a result, they created the most accurate
map of global seismic activity to date. Although the project concluded in 1999,
the accumulated data, including maps of the world's most active earthquake
zones, remains readily accessible.
North America: A Region of Prominent Earthquake Zones
North America encompasses several significant earthquake zones. Among them,
one noteworthy area is situated along Alaska's central coast, extending northward
to Anchorage and Fairbanks. Alaska experienced one of the most powerful
earthquakes in modern history, registering 9.2 on the Richter scale, in Prince
William Sound during 1964. Another seismic zone spans from British Columbia to
Major Earthquake Zones
the Baja California Peninsula along the coastal region, where the Pacific plate
interacts with the North American plate. Notable fault lines crisscross California's
Central Valley, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Southern California, giving rise to
several significant earthquakes, including the infamous 1906 temblor that
devastated San Francisco with a magnitude of 7.7. Mexico also harbors an active
earthquake zone along the western Sierras, extending from near Puerta Vallarta
to the Pacific coast at the Guatemala border. Similarly, the western coast of
Central America experiences significant seismic activity due to the interaction
between the Cocos plate and the Caribbean plate. In contrast, the eastern edge of
North America is relatively calm, with only a small seismic zone near the entrance
to the St. Lawrence River in Canada.
South America: Extensive Earthquake Zones along the
Pacific and Caribbean Coasts
South America boasts highly active earthquake zones running parallel to the
continent's Pacific coast. Another notable seismic region lies along the Caribbean
coast of Colombia and Venezuela, where the South American plate collides with
several continental plates. Four of the ten most potent earthquakes ever
recorded occurred in South America. The most formidable earthquake in
recorded history took place in central Chile in May 1960, with a magnitude of 9.5
near Saavedra. This catastrophic event left over 2 million people homeless and
claimed nearly 5,000 lives. Half a century later, a magnitude 8.8 quake struck near
Concepcion in 2010, resulting in the death of approximately 500 individuals and
leaving 800,000 people without homes. The Chilean capital, Santiago, also
suffered significant damage. Peru has experienced its share of devastating
earthquakes as well.
Asia: A Hotbed of Seismic Activity
Asia stands as a hotspot for earthquake activity, particularly where the Australian
plate wraps around the Indonesian archipelago. Japan, situated astride three
continental plates, witnesses more earthquakes than any other place on Earth.
Indonesia, Fiji, and Tonga also record substantial numbers of earthquakes
annually. In 2014, a 9.1 earthquake off the western coast of Sumatra generated
the largest tsunami in recorded history, resulting in the loss of over 200,000 lives.
Noteworthy historical earthquakes include a 9.0 quake on Russia's Kamchatka
Peninsula in 1952, which was felt as far as Norway, and an 8.6 magnitude quake
that struck Tibet in 1950. Central Asia also encompasses one of the world's major
Page 3


Major Earthquake Zones
The World's Major Earthquake Zones
Introduction
The Global Seismic Hazard Assessment Program, a United Nations-sponsored
initiative, embarked on a multi-year project to develop a comprehensive
worldwide map of earthquake zones. This groundbreaking endeavor aimed to aid
nations in preparing for future earthquakes and implementing measures to
mitigate potential damage and reduce casualties. Scientists meticulously
examined seismic activity across the globe, studying historical earthquake records
and conducting extensive research. As a result, they created the most accurate
map of global seismic activity to date. Although the project concluded in 1999,
the accumulated data, including maps of the world's most active earthquake
zones, remains readily accessible.
North America: A Region of Prominent Earthquake Zones
North America encompasses several significant earthquake zones. Among them,
one noteworthy area is situated along Alaska's central coast, extending northward
to Anchorage and Fairbanks. Alaska experienced one of the most powerful
earthquakes in modern history, registering 9.2 on the Richter scale, in Prince
William Sound during 1964. Another seismic zone spans from British Columbia to
Major Earthquake Zones
the Baja California Peninsula along the coastal region, where the Pacific plate
interacts with the North American plate. Notable fault lines crisscross California's
Central Valley, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Southern California, giving rise to
several significant earthquakes, including the infamous 1906 temblor that
devastated San Francisco with a magnitude of 7.7. Mexico also harbors an active
earthquake zone along the western Sierras, extending from near Puerta Vallarta
to the Pacific coast at the Guatemala border. Similarly, the western coast of
Central America experiences significant seismic activity due to the interaction
between the Cocos plate and the Caribbean plate. In contrast, the eastern edge of
North America is relatively calm, with only a small seismic zone near the entrance
to the St. Lawrence River in Canada.
South America: Extensive Earthquake Zones along the
Pacific and Caribbean Coasts
South America boasts highly active earthquake zones running parallel to the
continent's Pacific coast. Another notable seismic region lies along the Caribbean
coast of Colombia and Venezuela, where the South American plate collides with
several continental plates. Four of the ten most potent earthquakes ever
recorded occurred in South America. The most formidable earthquake in
recorded history took place in central Chile in May 1960, with a magnitude of 9.5
near Saavedra. This catastrophic event left over 2 million people homeless and
claimed nearly 5,000 lives. Half a century later, a magnitude 8.8 quake struck near
Concepcion in 2010, resulting in the death of approximately 500 individuals and
leaving 800,000 people without homes. The Chilean capital, Santiago, also
suffered significant damage. Peru has experienced its share of devastating
earthquakes as well.
Asia: A Hotbed of Seismic Activity
Asia stands as a hotspot for earthquake activity, particularly where the Australian
plate wraps around the Indonesian archipelago. Japan, situated astride three
continental plates, witnesses more earthquakes than any other place on Earth.
Indonesia, Fiji, and Tonga also record substantial numbers of earthquakes
annually. In 2014, a 9.1 earthquake off the western coast of Sumatra generated
the largest tsunami in recorded history, resulting in the loss of over 200,000 lives.
Noteworthy historical earthquakes include a 9.0 quake on Russia's Kamchatka
Peninsula in 1952, which was felt as far as Norway, and an 8.6 magnitude quake
that struck Tibet in 1950. Central Asia also encompasses one of the world's major
Major Earthquake Zones
earthquake zones, spanning a territory extending from the eastern shores of the
Black Sea through Iran and along the southern shores of the Caspian Sea.
Europe: Varied Seismic Activity
Northern Europe generally remains free of major earthquake zones, except for a
region around western Iceland known for both volcanic and seismic activity. As
one moves southeast toward Turkey and certain sections of the Mediterranean
coast, the risk of seismic activity increases. In both instances, the quakes are
caused by the African continental plate pushing upward into the Eurasian plate
beneath the Adriatic Sea. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, experienced substantial
devastation in 1755 due to a magnitude 8.7 earthquake, which ranks among the
strongest ever recorded. Central Italy and western Turkey also serve as epicenters
of earthquake activity.
Africa: Fewer Earthquake Zones, but Noteworthy Areas
Africa has relatively fewer earthquake zones compared to other continents, with
large portions of the Sahara and central regions experiencing little to no seismic
activity. However, some pockets of activity are present. The eastern
Mediterranean coast, including Lebanon, represents a significant region where
the Arabian plate collides with the Eurasian and African plates. Another active
area lies near the Horn of Africa. One of the most potent earthquakes in African
recorded history occurred in December 1910, with a magnitude 7.8 quake striking
western Tanzania.
Australia and New Zealand: Contrasting Seismic
Landscapes
Australia exhibits a low to moderate risk of earthquakes overall, while its
neighboring island, New Zealand, stands out as one of the world's earthquake
hotspots. The most powerful quake in New Zealand's history, measuring 8.2 on
the Richter scale, struck in 1855. Historians note that this Wairarapa earthquake
caused certain parts of the landscape to rise by as much as 20 feet in elevation.
Antarctica: A Seismically Quiet Continent
Compared to the other six continents, Antarctica experiences minimal seismic
activity due to its limited landmass intersecting or lying near continental plates.
However, an exception exists in the region around Tierra del Fuego in South
Page 4


Major Earthquake Zones
The World's Major Earthquake Zones
Introduction
The Global Seismic Hazard Assessment Program, a United Nations-sponsored
initiative, embarked on a multi-year project to develop a comprehensive
worldwide map of earthquake zones. This groundbreaking endeavor aimed to aid
nations in preparing for future earthquakes and implementing measures to
mitigate potential damage and reduce casualties. Scientists meticulously
examined seismic activity across the globe, studying historical earthquake records
and conducting extensive research. As a result, they created the most accurate
map of global seismic activity to date. Although the project concluded in 1999,
the accumulated data, including maps of the world's most active earthquake
zones, remains readily accessible.
North America: A Region of Prominent Earthquake Zones
North America encompasses several significant earthquake zones. Among them,
one noteworthy area is situated along Alaska's central coast, extending northward
to Anchorage and Fairbanks. Alaska experienced one of the most powerful
earthquakes in modern history, registering 9.2 on the Richter scale, in Prince
William Sound during 1964. Another seismic zone spans from British Columbia to
Major Earthquake Zones
the Baja California Peninsula along the coastal region, where the Pacific plate
interacts with the North American plate. Notable fault lines crisscross California's
Central Valley, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Southern California, giving rise to
several significant earthquakes, including the infamous 1906 temblor that
devastated San Francisco with a magnitude of 7.7. Mexico also harbors an active
earthquake zone along the western Sierras, extending from near Puerta Vallarta
to the Pacific coast at the Guatemala border. Similarly, the western coast of
Central America experiences significant seismic activity due to the interaction
between the Cocos plate and the Caribbean plate. In contrast, the eastern edge of
North America is relatively calm, with only a small seismic zone near the entrance
to the St. Lawrence River in Canada.
South America: Extensive Earthquake Zones along the
Pacific and Caribbean Coasts
South America boasts highly active earthquake zones running parallel to the
continent's Pacific coast. Another notable seismic region lies along the Caribbean
coast of Colombia and Venezuela, where the South American plate collides with
several continental plates. Four of the ten most potent earthquakes ever
recorded occurred in South America. The most formidable earthquake in
recorded history took place in central Chile in May 1960, with a magnitude of 9.5
near Saavedra. This catastrophic event left over 2 million people homeless and
claimed nearly 5,000 lives. Half a century later, a magnitude 8.8 quake struck near
Concepcion in 2010, resulting in the death of approximately 500 individuals and
leaving 800,000 people without homes. The Chilean capital, Santiago, also
suffered significant damage. Peru has experienced its share of devastating
earthquakes as well.
Asia: A Hotbed of Seismic Activity
Asia stands as a hotspot for earthquake activity, particularly where the Australian
plate wraps around the Indonesian archipelago. Japan, situated astride three
continental plates, witnesses more earthquakes than any other place on Earth.
Indonesia, Fiji, and Tonga also record substantial numbers of earthquakes
annually. In 2014, a 9.1 earthquake off the western coast of Sumatra generated
the largest tsunami in recorded history, resulting in the loss of over 200,000 lives.
Noteworthy historical earthquakes include a 9.0 quake on Russia's Kamchatka
Peninsula in 1952, which was felt as far as Norway, and an 8.6 magnitude quake
that struck Tibet in 1950. Central Asia also encompasses one of the world's major
Major Earthquake Zones
earthquake zones, spanning a territory extending from the eastern shores of the
Black Sea through Iran and along the southern shores of the Caspian Sea.
Europe: Varied Seismic Activity
Northern Europe generally remains free of major earthquake zones, except for a
region around western Iceland known for both volcanic and seismic activity. As
one moves southeast toward Turkey and certain sections of the Mediterranean
coast, the risk of seismic activity increases. In both instances, the quakes are
caused by the African continental plate pushing upward into the Eurasian plate
beneath the Adriatic Sea. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, experienced substantial
devastation in 1755 due to a magnitude 8.7 earthquake, which ranks among the
strongest ever recorded. Central Italy and western Turkey also serve as epicenters
of earthquake activity.
Africa: Fewer Earthquake Zones, but Noteworthy Areas
Africa has relatively fewer earthquake zones compared to other continents, with
large portions of the Sahara and central regions experiencing little to no seismic
activity. However, some pockets of activity are present. The eastern
Mediterranean coast, including Lebanon, represents a significant region where
the Arabian plate collides with the Eurasian and African plates. Another active
area lies near the Horn of Africa. One of the most potent earthquakes in African
recorded history occurred in December 1910, with a magnitude 7.8 quake striking
western Tanzania.
Australia and New Zealand: Contrasting Seismic
Landscapes
Australia exhibits a low to moderate risk of earthquakes overall, while its
neighboring island, New Zealand, stands out as one of the world's earthquake
hotspots. The most powerful quake in New Zealand's history, measuring 8.2 on
the Richter scale, struck in 1855. Historians note that this Wairarapa earthquake
caused certain parts of the landscape to rise by as much as 20 feet in elevation.
Antarctica: A Seismically Quiet Continent
Compared to the other six continents, Antarctica experiences minimal seismic
activity due to its limited landmass intersecting or lying near continental plates.
However, an exception exists in the region around Tierra del Fuego in South
Major Earthquake Zones
America, where the Antarctic plate meets the Scotia plate. The largest earthquake
recorded in Antarctica, with a magnitude of 8.1, occurred in 1998 in the Balleny
Islands, located south of New Zealand. In general, Antarctica remains seismically
quiet.
Conclusion
The Global Seismic Hazard Assessment Program played a pivotal role in
assembling the most comprehensive map of earthquake zones worldwide. This
valuable resource assists nations in earthquake preparedness, enabling them to
take proactive measures to minimize damage and protect lives. By understanding
the major earthquake zones across the globe, governments, communities, and
individuals can implement effective strategies to mitigate the impact of these
natural disasters and safeguard vulnerable regions.