In the latest tweet from Science News, geophysicist Susan Hough commented on the recent seismic event, highlighting the intensity of the earthquake due to the shallowness of its rupture. According to Hough, the shallow depth at which the earthquake’s rupture occurred caused all the seismic waves it generated to reach the Earth’s surface almost simultaneously. This synchronization of seismic waves resulted in exceptionally powerful and catastrophic shaking, significantly impacting the affected areas.

The tweet sheds light on the mechanics behind the devastating effects of shallow earthquakes, which can often be more destructive than deeper ones due to the direct transmission of energy to the surface. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for improving earthquake preparedness and response strategies in regions prone to such natural disasters. The insights provided by experts like Susan Hough are invaluable for both the scientific community and the general public to comprehend the potential severity of seismic activities.

Original Tweet: The shallowness of the rupture meant that all of the waves of seismic energy it generated arrived at Earth’s surface at nearly the same time, producing powerful, catastrophic shaking, says Susan Hough, a geophysicist.

https://t.co/xDrVCngHlM