What is the cause of earthquakes in the Red Sea?

Arab Weather - The US Geological Survey reported on Saturday that two earthquakes had been recorded in the Red Sea region near the coasts of Saudi Arabia and Sudan. According to the authority, the strength of the first tremor reached 4.7 on the Richter scale, and it was about 197 kilometers northeast of the city of Tokar in the Sudanese Red Sea state. . While the strength of the second tremor was 4.2, and it was about 174 kilometers northeast of the city itself.

In addition, a new earthquake was recorded in the middle of the Red Sea, about 160 km from the Sudanese coast, with a magnitude of 4.2 on the Richter scale, and at a depth of 10 km. It is the third earthquake in 48 hours, all of which were higher than 4 degrees.

Due to the weak strength of the earthquakes, there were no reports of losses or impacts from local authorities in Saudi Arabia and Sudan. These seismic events are an opportunity to better understand seismic activity in the Red Sea region, and highlight the ongoing need to monitor and evaluate seismic risks in this vital region. Earthquakes in this region require great attention. Due to its potential impacts on the environment and infrastructure, as well as on local communities in countries bordering the Red Sea.

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Two earthquakes hit the Red Sea region near Saudi Arabia and Sudan

What is the secret of the Red Sea earthquakes between Mecca and Port Sudan?

The main reason for earthquake activity in the Red Sea region is due to the presence of the Red Sea Fault, which is part of the Red Sea-East Africa fault system. This fault is a breakaway zone between the African plate and the Arabian plate, as these two tectonic plates move away from each other, causing geological tension. It eventually leads to earthquakes.

The following are some of the factors that contribute to earthquakes in the Red Sea region:

• Movement of tectonic plates

The Arabian plate moves toward the northeast, while the African plate moves toward the northwest, causing the Red Sea to expand slowly over time. This tectonic movement causes the two plates to diverge, leading to the formation of faults and continuous seismic activity.

• Red Sea Rift

The Red Sea Rift is an active rupture system, where fissures and faults form as a result of plate movement. This expansion leads to the formation of a geologically weak area that is subject to constant pressures, increasing the possibility of earthquakes.

• Geological history

Over the ages, the Red Sea has witnessed intense geological activity, making it an area known for its seismic activity. Seismic activity in the region dates back millions of years, which explains the frequent earthquakes that occur between Mecca and Port Sudan.

• Geological structure

The bottom of the Red Sea consists of oceanic crust that expands due to tectonic activity, resulting in a network of faults and geological fissures that increase seismic activity in the region.

Interpreting the possibilities of repeating seismic tremors in the Red Sea region

The frequency of earthquakes can be explained by two main scenarios that deal with how stored geological energy is released:

• Partial energy discharge to reduce the occurrence of a major earthquake

In this scenario, small to medium tremors cause stored geological energy to be gradually released. This gradual release can reduce the probability of a large earthquake. In other words, the energy is distributed over a series of smaller tremors rather than accumulating to create a large, devastating earthquake.
This is similar to a "safety valve" that continuously relieves pressure, reducing the risk of a major explosion. If the area regularly experiences small tremors, this could indicate that the energy is gradually dissolving, and thus there may be a reduction in the probability of a large earthquake.

• Partial unloading as a prelude to a major earthquake

In this scenario, small to medium tremors could be precursors or harbingers of a large earthquake and these tremors may indicate that geological energy is accumulating and approaching a breaking point that will lead to a large earthquake.
In some cases, large earthquakes may be preceded by a series of smaller tremors (called preshocks) that indicate that tectonic plates are moving and tensions in the area are increasing. This gradual buildup of energy may eventually lead to a powerful and destructive earthquake when all of this stored energy is released at once. .

Factors affecting scenario determination

Predicting a large earthquake based on small to medium tremors requires consideration of many factors, including:

1. Frequency and intensity of small tremors: If small tremors are occurring with high frequency and increasing intensity, this may be an indication of energy buildup.
2. Historical seismic activity: Studying historical records of earthquakes in the region can help in understanding patterns and predicting probabilities. It is worth noting that seismic activity in the Red Sea region is characterized as weak to moderate, and this may help in understanding greater what is happening.
3. Geological Changes: Monitoring geological and tectonic changes in the area can provide additional indications about energy accumulation.

Prepare for various scenarios

Given the possibility of either scenario occurring, it is important to take preventive and preparedness measures:

1. Emergency Planning: Developing emergency plans and rapid response in the event of a major earthquake.
2. Infrastructure strengthening: Design and build structures and infrastructure to be earthquake-resistant.
3. Awareness and education: Educating residents on how to behave during and after an earthquake, and training them to respond quickly and effectively.

By understanding the possible scenarios for recurring seismic tremors and taking appropriate preventive measures, the damage caused by earthquakes can be reduced and the ability to deal with them improved.

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Sources:

addustour

alarabiya

france24