Monday 1 February 2016

Magnitude 6.1 Earthquake beneath the western Mediterranean.

The United States Geological Survey recorded a Magnitude 6.1 Earthquake at a depth of about 10 km, off the northern coast of Morocco, slightly after 4.20 am local time (which is GMT) on Monday 25 January 2016. The quake is reported to have been felt across much of norther Morocco and southern Spain, with several reports of minor damage but no reports of any casualties.

 Damage in southern Spain following the 25 January 2015 Earthquake. Reuters.

Morocco lies on the northernmost part of the African Plate, while Spain to the north is part of Eurasia. Africa is pushing into Europe from the south, which causes Earthquakes around the Mediterranean Basin. These are most common in southeast Europe, but those in northwest Africa, while less frequent, are often larger and more deadly.

 The approximate location of the 25 January 2015 Mediterranean Earthquake. Google Maps.

Witness accounts of Earthquakes can help geologists to understand these events, and the structures that cause them. The international non-profit organization Earthquake Report is interested in hearing from people who may have felt this event; if you felt this quake then you can report it to Earthquake Report here.

See also... 

http://sciencythoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/magnitude-40-earthquake-on-coast-of.htmlMagnitude 4.0 Earthquake on the coast of Algeria.                                                         The Centre Seismologique Euro-Méditeranéen  recorded a Magnitude 4.0 Earthquake at a depth of...
http://sciencythoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/minor-damage-caused-by-magnitude-50.htmlMinor damage caused by Magnitude 5.0 Earthquake in Castilla-La Mancha region of Spain.                                                    The United States Geological Survey recorded a...
http://sciencythoughts.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/magnitude-41-earthquake-in-northern.htmlMagnitude 4.1 Earthquake in northern Algeria.                                                         The United States Geological Survey recorded a Magnitude 4.1 Earthquake at a depth of 10 km, about... 
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