Earthquake of magnitude 6.8 hits New Zealand’s Riverton coast, no Tsunami warning but

Earthquake in New Zealand: An enormous earthquake of magnitude 6.8 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of Riverton in New Zealand on Tuesday, in keeping with america Geological Survey.

Initially, the quake was recorded at 7 magnitude which struck at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) off the southwest tip of the South Island, the USGS stated. Regardless of the depth of the tremor, authorities haven’t issued any tsunami warnings for the area. In the meantime, officers proceed to watch the scenario for any potential aftershocks or additional developments.

This comes days after an earthquake of magnitude 4.9 on the Richter scale struck Afghanistan on March 21.  The earthquake had occurred at a depth of 160 km, in keeping with the Nationwide Heart for Seismology (NCS).

Why do earthquakes happen?

Earthquakes are pure phenomena that happen on account of stress and actions throughout the Earth’s inner construction. In India, tectonic actions within the Himalayan area are the first explanation for earthquakes. The collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates generates stress, making areas like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Northeast India extremely earthquake-prone.

The motion, collision, uplift, and subsidence of tectonic plates create steady stress between them, resulting in the buildup of power. When minor earthquakes happen, they assist launch this power step by step. Nevertheless, if stress accumulates over time with out launch, the stress intensifies which will increase the danger of a significant earthquake. In some instances, the sudden launch of gathered power can lead to devastating tremors, inflicting widespread destruction.

How one can measure earthquake’s depth on Richter Scale?

The Richter scale helps decide the depth of an earthquake primarily based on seismic exercise. Here is what totally different magnitudes really feel like:

• 0 to 1.9: Detectable solely by seismographs.
• 2 to 2.9: Barely noticeable vibrations.
• 3 to three.9: Appears like a heavy automobile passing close by.
• 4 to 4.9: Small objects in houses could fall from their place.
• 5 to five.9: Heavy furnishings and home equipment could begin shaking.
• 6 to six.9: Cracks could seem in constructing foundations.
• 7 to 7.9: Buildings could collapse on account of sturdy tremors.
• 8 to eight.9: Tsunami danger and widespread devastation.
• 9 or above: Excessive destruction, with floor motion clearly felt.

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