The United States Geological Survey recorded a Magnitude 4.0 Earthquake at a depth of 10 km in southeast Balochistan Province, Pakistan, slightly before 6.25 pm local time (slightly before 1.25 pm GMT) on Sunday 6 October 2013. There are no reports of any damage or casualties arising from this quake, although it is likely to have been felt locally.
The approximate location of the 6 October 2013 Balochistan Earthquake. Google Maps.
The quake occurred on the Makran Fault, along which the Arabian Plate to the south is being subducted beneath the Eurasian Plate to the north. The Arabian Plate is being pushed northward by the movement of the African Plate to the south, as well as expansion beneath the Red Sea caused by the formation of new oceanic crust. To the west the continental portion of the Arabian Plate is in contact with the Eurasian Plate, causing folding and uplift that is leading to the formation of the Zagros Mountains. In the east oceanic crust attached to the Arabian Plate is being subducted beneath the Eurasian Plate, causing uplift on the Iranian Plateau, which underlies Baluchistan, eastern Iran and the southwest of Afghanistan. This subduction is not a smooth process, with the rocks constantly sticking together then breaking apart as the pressure builds up.
See also Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake in Balochistan; over 350 dead and new island created, At least 12 fatalities after a Magnitude 5.6 Earthquake in eastern Afghanistan, Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake in southeast Iran; high level of casualties expected, Magnitude 6.3 Earthquake in southern Iran kills at least 32 and Two major Earthquakes in northeast Iran, leading to heavy death toll.
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