Recent Earthquake Activity: A Summary of Seismic Events in February

On February 10, a 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco, centered in Chefchaouen, with 420 reports of tremors received by the USGS. This event followed a 5.9-magnitude earthquake in Vanuatu and a 7.6-magnitude earthquake in the Cayman Islands earlier in February. A tsunami warning for Mexico was lifted after two hours, and several smaller earthquakes occurred in California and Alaska within the same week.

A 5.1-magnitude earthquake occurred in Morocco on February 10, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake’s epicenter was in Chefchaouen, situated at a depth of 10 kilometers (approximately 6.2 miles). At the time of publication, the USGS recorded 420 accounts from individuals who felt the tremors.

On the same day, a 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu, also reported by the USGS. This quake originated near Port-Vila at a depth of 18 kilometers (roughly 11.9 miles). Notably, the Vanuatu earthquake followed a significant 7.6-magnitude earthquake in the Cayman Islands, which occurred on February 8 and was centered in George Town, also at a depth of 10 kilometers.

A tsunami warning was briefly issued for the Mexican coastal area; however, authorities lifted the warning within two hours. The National Weather Service Warning Center stated: “With the latest modeling and information, the tsunami threat has passed. There are no alerts posted for the United States or International Partners. The tsunami threat has passed. Unusual currents may be noticed in some areas. Exercise normal caution.”

Prior to these events, on February 7, a 3.4-magnitude earthquake was reported in California, specifically in Petrolia at a depth of 10 kilometers. This was preceded by a 2.9-magnitude earthquake in the same area on February 6, which occurred at a depth of 4.4 kilometers (approximately 2.7 miles).

Additionally, before the Petrolia incidents, a 4.3-magnitude earthquake was detected in Alaska on February 5, with its epicenter in Sustina at a depth of 5.4 kilometers (about 3.4 miles). The sequence of these seismic events highlights a concerning trend in earthquake occurrences in multiple regions in a short period.

In conclusion, the recent series of earthquakes, including significant ones in Morocco, Vanuatu, the Cayman Islands, California, and Alaska, showcases increased seismic activity. The temporary tsunami warning off the Mexican coast emphasizes the need for vigilance in earthquake-prone areas. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Individuals are advised to stay updated through credible sources.

Original Source: www.wtam.com