Earthquake Swarms
(Relevant for Geography Section of General Studies Paper Prelims/Mains)
Earthquake Swarm
An Earthquake swarm is a sequence of mostly small earthquakes with no identifiable main shock. Swarms can last weeks and produce many thousands of earthquakes within a relatively small volume.
Aftershocks & Foreshocks
- Foreshocks are seismic events that precede larger earthquakes in the same geographical region. The identification of an earthquake as a foreshock typically occurs retrospectively, following the incidence of a more significant earthquake in the same vicinity.
- Aftershocks, on the other hand, represent a sequence of earthquakes that follow a major initial earthquake along a fault line. When an earthquake transpires, it significantly alters the stress distribution in the surrounding geological formations. The Earth naturally strives to return to a state of equilibrium, and this process leads to the occurrence of aftershocks.
- The frequency of aftershocks tends to diminish over time, although they can persist for varying durations, ranging from days and weeks to months or even years in the case of a particularly substantial initial earthquake.
Characteristics of the Earthquake Swarms
- An ‘earthquake swarm’ refers to a succession of minor seismic events taking place within a confined geographic area and extending over a duration ranging from days to even months.
- These earthquake swarms arise when accumulated seismic energy within the Earth is gradually released in small increments from specific locations.
- Notably, the patterns of occurrence and the magnitudes of earthquakes in these swarms do not conform to the typical characteristics of aftershock sequences.
- At times, these geological activities can also be accompanied by acoustic emissions or sound disturbances.
- In regions with active volcanoes that are on the verge of erupting, earthquake swarms may indicate subsurface magma movement. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that not all swarms are linked to volcanic fluids; tectonic forces can also trigger such seismic swarms.
- For instance, in India, a report by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) attributed earthquake swarms in the Deccan Plateau region to tectonic activity.
- It’s worth noting that some earthquake swarms can act as foreshocks, potentially preceding a more significant earthquake event in terms of magnitude.
Seismic activities can be classified into either a major quake followed by aftershocks or an earthquake swarm. Therefore, both reflect the pent-up seismic activity inside the earth’s crust.
Sample Question for UPSC Sociology Optional Paper:
-
Question: What distinguishes an earthquake swarm from traditional aftershocks and foreshocks?
Answer: An earthquake swarm is a sequence of mostly small earthquakes in a confined area with no identifiable main shock, differing from aftershocks and foreshocks which are related to a major initial earthquake. - Question: How can earthquake swarms sometimes serve as indicators for volcanic activity?
Answer: In regions with active volcanoes on the verge of erupting, earthquake swarms may indicate subsurface magma movement.
- Question: What is the significance of the Geological Survey of India’s report on earthquake swarms in the Deccan Plateau?
Answer: The report attributes the earthquake swarms in the Deccan Plateau to tectonic activity, providing insights into the geological factors causing seismic events in that region. - Question: Can earthquake swarms act as foreshocks?
Answer: Yes, some earthquake swarms can act as foreshocks, potentially preceding a more significant earthquake event in terms of magnitude. -
Question: How does an aftershock sequence typically differ from an earthquake swarm in terms of patterns of occurrence and magnitudes?
Answer: Aftershock sequences usually diminish in frequency over time and follow a major initial earthquake, while earthquake swarms involve a series of minor seismic events without a main shock and may last for an extended period.
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To master these intricacies and fare well in the Sociology Optional Syllabus, aspiring sociologists might benefit from guidance by the Best Sociology Optional Teacher and participation in the Best Sociology Optional Coaching. These avenues provide comprehensive assistance, ensuring a solid understanding of sociology’s diverse methodologies and techniques.
Earthquake Swarms, Seismic Activity, Foreshocks, Aftershocks, Geological Formations, Earth’s Crust, Tectonic Activity, Deccan Plateau, Volcanoes, Stress Distribution, Geological Survey of India, Earthquake Swarms, Seismic Activity, Foreshocks, Aftershocks, Geological Formations, Earth’s Crust, Tectonic Activity, Deccan Plateau, Volcanoes, Stress Distribution, Geological Survey of India
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