What if the Earth was hit by a 10-magnitude earthquake?

Written By طقس العرب on 2023/10/14

This article was written originally in Arabic and is translated using a 3rd party automated service. ArabiaWeather is not responsible for any grammatical errors whatsoever.

Weather of Arabia - Earthquakes are considered a devastating natural disaster that occurs as a result of volcanic activities or sliding in the layers of the Earth’s crust, and is accompanied by the release and transfer of seismic energy. The intensity of earthquakes is also considered an important indicator for measuring their strength and impact. The intensity of an earthquake is usually measured using standards such as the Richter, Moody, and moment scales. The range of intensity values ranges from 1 to 10 degrees. The rating increases as the strength of the earthquake increases.

Understanding the importance of measuring earthquake intensity plays a crucial role in assessing risks, taking preventive measures and preparing appropriately to protect lives and property.

But what happens if a 10-magnitude earthquake hits the Earth?

According to knowledge of Earth's geometry, and based on the dimensions of the planet and the size of its tectonic plates, an earthquake with a magnitude of 10 can only occur in one area on Earth. This area is known as the "subduction zone" and is located in the Pacific Ocean and includes the Ring of Fire. About 90% of all earthquakes in the world are recorded in this region, including large earthquakes with an intensity exceeding 8 and a half degrees. The reason behind this is due to the size of the tectonic plates and their unique characteristics in this region.

We must not forget that a one-degree increase in the strength of an earthquake increases its intensity by approximately 32 times. So, when we talk about a magnitude 10 earthquake, it represents massive intensity and truly massive destruction.

What would happen if a 10 magnitude earthquake struck the Earth?

If a magnitude 10 earthquake occurred in the subduction zone, it would produce as much energy as the detonation of one million Hiroshima-sized nuclear bombs. If we assume that the location of the earthquake is in the Pacific Ocean, and it occurs at a certain depth and is near a city at a distance of about 200 kilometers, in this case the earthquake may weaken slightly when it reaches the city, but it will still have a major destructive impact and may lead to comprehensive destruction of the entire city. .

The earthquake will cause lightning and fires

There is no city on Earth capable of withstanding a 10-magnitude earthquake, whether its buildings are armored with the finest metals or not. In the event of an earthquake of this intensity, all buildings, infrastructure and daily life in the city would completely collapse in the first moments of the earthquake. Trees and wooden buildings will also be severely affected by the large energy leaks underground, sending everything flying. In addition, the earthquake will cause many fires, lightning strikes and other accidents that follow the collapse of the city.

What will happen after the earthquake occurs 30 seconds later?

After 30 seconds to one minute of the earthquake's onset, its massive effects will spread to cities far away from the original site of the earthquake. These effects will cause more earthquakes and new volcanic eruptions in areas far from the original epicenter. Based on the nature, land structures and infrastructure of these areas, it is expected that they will suffer the same fate as the country that witnessed the original earthquake. In general, all regions of the world will be affected by this earthquake and there will be no safe areas. Scientists point out that the lowest degree that will be recorded on the surface of the Earth in this earthquake will be approximately 3.5 degrees, and some may not feel it, but the main problem here is that these are not just tremors, but there are other major consequences.

The earthquake will cause dangerous tsunami waves

During the first hours of the earthquake, huge tsunami waves will sweep through all coastal cities located near the epicenter. This tsunami will be a natural way to get rid of the landslides caused by the earthquake. All trade and navigation routes will also change at this time as a result of the destruction and sinking of ports near the epicenter. The earthquake could destroy entire Pacific ports.

The impact of the earthquake will cause huge losses in various parts of the world, as it will necessarily lead to a complete halt in global trade.