The recent earthquakes in Indonesia, Venezuela, and Colombia have sparked concerns about a global increase in big earthquakes. However, experts, including John Cassidy from Natural Resources Canada and Robert Shcherbakov from Western University, offer a different perspective. Despite the magnitude of these earthquakes, they argue that this year's count is not unusually high. Cassidy emphasizes that the primary driver of large earthquakes is the movement of tectonic plates, which is a natural and ongoing process. He notes that the average number of major earthquakes expected annually is around 16, and this year's count is just about on average.
Shcherbakov adds that the location and depth of an earthquake significantly influence its intensity. Earthquakes occurring close to the surface can cause more shaking and damage, but this is often mitigated by the quality of buildings. He uses Japan as an example, where better-quality buildings, even old ones, are retrofitted to withstand shaking better than in other parts of the world.
Cassidy also highlights the impact of these earthquakes on vulnerable areas near major population centers. He believes that the devastating effects of these earthquakes are more concerning than the number of earthquakes itself. The movement of tectonic plates, which typically results in slow but significant movement over time, is a key factor in understanding the frequency and magnitude of earthquakes.
In conclusion, while the recent earthquakes have caused significant damage and loss of life, experts suggest that this year's earthquake count is not an anomaly. The natural movement of tectonic plates is a primary driver, and the quality of buildings plays a crucial role in mitigating the impact of earthquakes. This perspective provides a more nuanced understanding of the earthquake situation, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and resilience in vulnerable areas.
