A significant cluster of earthquakes was identified by scientists off the coast of Washington, with estimations suggesting that up to 200 tremors may have occurred within a single hour on a particular day.
Geologists from the University of Washington have suggested that these earthquakes could potentially precede an eruption of the Juan de Fuca Ridge volcano in the coming weeks or years. However, they anticipate that the impact on the Earth’s surface will likely be mild and of minimal consequence.
Situated more than 16,000 feet beneath the surface of the Pacific Ocean and approximately 150 miles off the coast of Washington, the underwater volcano has garnered attention due to this recent surge in seismic activity. With over a thousand small quakes detected within a single day, this marks the highest level of activity observed at the site since 2005, prompting speculation about an imminent eruption.
The scientific team anticipates that data collected during the eruption, should it occur, will provide valuable insights into the gradual formation of Earth’s crust through the cooling of magma over time.
The group’s real-time monitoring network recorded the earthquakes on March 6, registering a magnitude of 4.1 on the Richter scale.
Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) has reported that subsequent to the significant earthquake swarm, frequent tremors are expected to persist over several days. They have collected data to facilitate research into this phenomenon, with the research team suggesting that the escalation in earthquake activity indicates a potential for an impending magmatic rupture.
A magmatic rupture, characterized by the splitting open of the Earth’s crust and the release of molten rock, represents a significant geological event with implications for the surrounding environment.
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