7.5 magnitude Earth Quake hits Russia; 0.3m high Tsunami Waves expected

On March 25, 2020, 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit northern Pacific. The quake was 37 miles deep and stuck the eastern Kuril Islands of Russia.

Highlights

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has warned hazardous Tsunami waves n the coasts of the Kuril Islands. However, the waves are to be less than 30 centimetres in high.

Kuril Islands

The Kuril Islands are a volcanic Archipelago that separates Sea of Okhotsk from the Pacific Ocean. The islands are currently under Russian Administration. However, claims of Japan over 4 southern most islands of the Archipelago have led to the ongoing Kuril Islands Dispute.

The Islands are located at the tectonically instable region called the “Ring of Fire”.

Ring of Fire

The Ring of Fire is the areas of Pacific Ocean where several volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur. There are more than 452 volcanos in the region. This accounts to 75% of world’s volcanos. Also, 91% of world earthquakes occur in the region.

The Ring of Fire has evolved due to the movement and collisions of lithospheric plates. The eastern section of the ring in the American coast is because of the subduction of Nazca plate beneath the Cocos Plate. In the Northern portion, the Pacific plates is getting subducted. Apart from these there are several smaller tectonic plates that are constantly moving. The energy released during the movement of these plates causes earthquakes and volcanos.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2020