Two quakes in two days
(CNS): The earth was moving once again off the coast of Grand Cayman this morning (Monday 5 April). A moderate earthquake registering a 5 on the Richter magnitude scale occurred at 2:30am some 95 miles south of George Town. According to the US Geological survey the tremor was located 17.926°N, 81.548°W at a depth of 6.2 miles (10Km). The earthquake comes around 31 hours after a 4.2 shook things up on Saturday evening around 7pm some 64 miles south of Bodden Town. Since the 19 January 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit 32 miles south of Bodden Town there have been several smaller tremors in the Cayman Islands area.
There are no reports of damage on the Hazard Management website which says it is continuing to monitor the seismic movement ion the area.
Category: Headline News
Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/11/2010 – 16:15 and Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/11/2010 – 16:35.
I have presented hard data not "perception". The parameters of this data mean that subjective factors have been ruled out. Focus on actual current data rather than out of date commentaries by the USGS. Also focus on a sufficiently long period, e.g. 38 years. None of what I have posted has been refuted by anything in your posts which is just the standard guff that does not address the points I have made. Here are some links to the source data giving date, place and magnitude of earthquakes.
http://earth.webecs.co.uk/refns3.htm
http://earth.webecs.co.uk/refns2.htm
Where was this information pulled from? If you are going to poststats, why not post it in proper context, ie the fact that the number of seismic stations has increased from about 350 in 1931 to many thousands today? Logically, the more ears to the ground we have the more earthquakes we are going to hear.
Just because we are aware of more quakes does not automatically mean that the frequency of quakes is increasing. To be honest, I would be more worried if we were detecting less quakes and tremors while technology and availability of more accurate seismic stations was increasing. I have no problem with what your eschatological views are but when you skew facts to fit your opinion you only degrade the credibility of your belief system.
In my opinion the world has been ending since it began and every generation seems to think that the last day is going to come in their lifetime, it hasn’t yet and maybe it never will. What i do know is, I don’t need to believe in the end of the world to make the best out ofthe life that i have and I don’t see why anybody should need to be threatened with death and destruction to embrace peace, tolerance and forgiveness.
Here is some information on wikipedia regarding size and frequency.
The number of seismic stations has increased from about 350 in 1931 to many thousands today. As a result, many more earthquakes are reported than in the past, but this is because of the vast improvement in instrumentation, rather than an increase in the number of earthquakes. The USGS estimates that, since 1900, there have been an average of 18 major earthquakes (magnitude 7.0-7.9) and one great earthquake (magnitude 8.0 or greater) per year, and that this average has been relatively stable.[16] In recent years, the number of major earthquakes per year has decreased, although this is thought likely to be a statistical fluctuation rather than a systematic trend. More detailed statistics on the size and frequency of earthquakes is available from the USGS.[17]
"Minor earthquakes occur nearly constantly around the world in places like California and Alaska in the U.S., as well as in Guatemala. Chile, Peru, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, the Azores in Portugal, Turkey, New Zealand, Greece, Italy, and Japan, but earthquakes can occur almost anywhere, including New York City, London, and Australia.[13] Larger earthquakes occur less frequently, the relationship being exponential; for example, roughly ten times as many earthquakes larger than magnitude 4 occur in a particular time period than earthquakes larger than magnitude 5. In the (low seismicity) United Kingdom, for example, it has been calculated that the average recurrences are: an earthquake of 3.7 – 4.6 every year, an earthquake of 4.7 – 5.5 every 10 years, and an earthquake of 5.6 or larger every 100 years.[14] This is an example of the Gutenberg-Richter law.
Most of the world’s earthquakes (90%, and 81% of the largest) take place in the 40,000-km-long, horseshoe-shaped zone called the circum-Pacific seismic belt, also known as the Pacific Ring of Fire, which for the most part bounds the Pacific Plate.[18][19] Massive earthquakes tend to occur along other plate boundaries, too, such as along the Himalayan Mountains.
With the rapid growth of mega-cities such as Mexico City, Tokyo and Tehran, in areas of high seismic risk, some seismologists are warning that a single quake may claim the lives of up to 3 million people.[20]"
First you say that earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or greater have remained fairly constant throughout this century, and then you say that the number of seismic stations has increased from 350 in 1931 to many thousands today and that it is therefore obvious that with such an increase means that we will be aware of many more quakes. Apparently you are oblivious to the fact that this is an obvious contradiction. On your basis the number of earthquakes would have had a DRAMATIC DECLINE given the increase in seismic stations if the numbers detected remained fairly constant. There is a logical fallacy in your argument.
Taken from the USGS website. Follow the link for a more in depth explanation. Also note, "perception of increase". Last time i checked, perception does not equate to reality.
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/faq/?faqID=110
Q: Why are we having so many earthquakes? Has earthquake activity been increasing? Does this mean a big one is going to hit? OR We haven’t had any earthquakes in a long time; does this mean that the pressure is building up?
A: Although it may seem that we are having more earthquakes, earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or greater have remained fairly constant throughout this century and, according to our records, have actually seemed to decrease in recent years.
There are several reasons for the perception that the number of earthquakes, in general, and particularly destructive earthquakes is increasing.
Yes, there will be destructive earthquakes here on a 400 – 500 year cycle (read the internet) and, yes, a tsunami is possible if an earthquake causes a submarine landslip along the cayman trench. All reported by an expert after Jan’s quake. But the statistics would suggest that you are more likely to die in a car accident. Or in the cross fire of a West Bay shoot out. Worry about the issues we can have some control over.
actually the Cayman trench is a vertical fault line and yes, should it shift a significant amount, this could definitely result in a tsunami
The Cayman Trrench is a Transform Fault not a Subduction Fault.
It is getting wider not narrower, not deeper or shallower.
Yes it was a Subduction fault some 34-56 million years ago but not anymore.
It is a horizontal moving fault not a vertical one, therefore not much chance of it producing a Tsunami.
Wrong x 2.
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Cayman_Trough
http://www.oceanandair.coas.oregonstate.edu/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.display&pageID=185
I don’t understand the problem here. Just because Cayman is actually a tiny point teetering precariously on the edge of a gigantic undersea mountain next to a valley four miles deep called the Abyss that is situated on the very edge of a
fault line?
Fault line?!
When’s the next flight?
Actually, the Hazard Management Division was "suggested" by the United Nations, and their stooge, Barbara Carby came over (after doing the rounds in Jamaica) to Cayman to "assist" the "ignorant" Caymanians in drafting legislation that would help us to get through a disaster in a more structured fashion.
Hazard Management really do not care about any event that is not part of their agenda. Please have a good read of the pdf files on their website, especially those that pertain to impending legislation and you will see why they don’t really have any desire to keep us informed.
The first hazard that they will declare will be one of public (dis)order and then you will see the laws bite aided ably by our newly revamped police force.
Notice anything strange??
Seems like God is ‘rocking’ alot of countries that are in turmoil!!
WAKE UP CAYMAN – AND GET TO CHURCH!
…No, nothing strange at all.
What I do notice is, since we have the technology to detect and the infrastructure and connectivity to be made aware of tremors that we can barely feel, that all of a sudden people feel like the quantity of quakes near ‘countries that are in turmoil’ are drastically increasing.
Thats like saying, god just created all of the exoplanets that we are discovering now because the world is in turmoil….no…we just are advancing our understanding through technology and shifts in existing outdated paradigms.
Are you implying that more tremors are happening now in the area of cayman than say 50 years ago because all of a sudden we are in ‘turmoil’? Seriously? You mean to tell me that if these quakes happened 50 years ago you would have had a clue? I doubt it.
Use the brain that your god gave you and stop making him look bad.
Maybe you should use the brain He gave you and stop trying to be a disrespectful FOOL of the prophecy written in the Bible by His appointed "scientist"!
But I am certain, when the day comes that you stare death in the face – It’ll be His name you call on for help!
Don’t forget….. Small Island, DEEP WATER!
There have always been earthquakes throughout the ages. Today’s media just makes it easier for the world to know about what’s happening here, there and elsewhere – where was hit by an earthquake and where wasn’t.
Earthquakes, nor the current frequency of earthquakes, are not anything new. It must also be noted that with the advances in technology and the increase in the number of seismographs worldwide, the number of earthquakes detected has, logically, grown.
More earthquakes hit Japan than in countries which are seen to be in real turmoil such as the Democratic Republic of Congo. That is because Japan lies on a plate boundary, that of the Pacific and Eurasian Plates. Earthquakes are not concentrated in areas of turmoil. If that were so there would be a far greater number hitting high conflict areas.
You believe that these are the instruments of God, inflicting punishment on those with the worst transgressions. That is your belief to have. However, do note that then He is choosing to work within the confines of geology and has not impacted countries, via earthquakes, which have horrendous crimes against humanity.
Outta da ballpark wit’ dat one!
:o)
Much more importantly, what does the tooth fairy and father christmas have to say about all these earthquakes, beware those fools who ignore the tooth fairy, for she is all powerful.
I agree with "nothing strange at..". The turmoil is idiotic.
Also I agree with the comment about Cayman basically tetering on the "edge". In case most of you dont know what the reddish line is in the editorial piciture with this article it is the meeting of the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates. While the plates meet miles below us in the trench I thought that I would let the reader that beat up the Hazard Management Unit know that when these plates do make a considerable "move" that we will not even have time to get out the door before the tsunami will roll over us. This proximity to the faults together with the fact that the tsunami travels sometimes in excess of 300 miles per hour means that we will wash up in Cuba before we know what happened. That is a fact whether we are in church or in a bar. No chance so dont **** with mother nature!!!!!
what are we paying hazard manegement for.
it seems the world could come to an end before any of these over paid
Hero`s would keep their website up to date. Its like the weather website
a joke. Thank GOD for CNS as we would all be left in the dark on many things. please CNS continue your good job of keeping us informed.you do
a fantastic JOB……..!
CNS posting 10:33 am
Caymanprepared posting 8:59 am
didanyonre even feel it?
I am compelled to second your statement. This website has indeed kept me aware of all the "happenings" on this Island. I am so grateful for this site. CNS you are doing a great job and most of the readers and bloggers often forget to appreciate and to acknowledge the good that are right before our eyes. I would just like to say Thank you!
Being a true Caymanian I couldn’t go without finding a fault lol. The only thing I hate is the capcha at the end that require you to type in those characters. That is annoying because sometimes I cannot decipher what character it is. I know it is to restrict spam and all but my gosh.. I guess nothing can be perfect!
CNS: The reason for the CAPCHA is to prevent computer generated spam comments which can arrive by the hundreds and clog up the system. Sorry, we’ve found no other way.
This is becoming a great concern for us here in Cayman. Will we ever get some seismic equipment that can give us some readings and warnings?
We need some research done soon to determine if Cayman is in line for a major earth quake so we can vacate this place.
Can someone tell me what we are waiting on to make some exiting arrangements?
To be honest, there is no way that they can predict an earthquake, it’s not like a hurricane that you can monitor as it progresses, that we can be giving warnings. Earthquake are very sudden and the only thing a Meteorologists can do is to tell us what was magnitude of the earthquake or tremor. Very scary indeed….But it is the work of God, all we can do is have faith in him that we won’t be harm whenever one occur and we should be very greatful for the mercy he has shown us so far.
I love this country to my heart but if a destructive earthquake could have been predicted would not be willing to die in in it. there is no high ground to flee from the tidal wave that would ensue
A Tsunami is an extremely unlikely event here given the type of fault. Further, there is no continental shelf for it to build on and, even were a tsunami to form, depending on its direction, it would be reflected away (literally) by the vertical nature of the Cayman wall. You have almost nothing to fear from a tsunami in Cayman.
We would not get a tidal wave here in Cayman. Do the research!
A tidal wave is caused by vertical plate activity….here in the caribbean we have horizontal plates.
Also no one can predict earthquakes.
Seismic monitoring equipment is already in place.
There is a fault line to the south of Grand Cayman. recent earthquakes along this fault line have caused relatively little damage. Yes a sink hole opened up, but not much more.
I would not suggest making any plans to vacate the island.