The United States Geological Survey recorded
a Magnitude 5.1 Earthquake at a depth of 106 km roughly beneath the Paria Peninsula on the north coast of Venezuela, slightly
before 9.55 pm local time on Friday 22 June 2018 (slightly before 1.55 am on Saturday 23 June 2018 GMT). This was a large quake, but at some
depth as well as some way offshore, and there are no reports of any
casualties or damage, though the quake was felt over a large area, with
people reporting feeling it across much of northeast Venezuela, as well
as in Trinidad and Tobago, and Grenada.
The approximate location of the 22 June 2018 Paria Peninsula Earthquake. USGS.
The
Paria Peninsula forms part of the southern margin of the Caribbean
Plate, which is moving eastward compared to the South American Plate,
upon which the rest of Venezuela sits. This is not a smooth process, the
two plates constantly stick together, then break apart as the pressure
builds up, causing Earthquakes in the process.
Witness
accounts of Earthquakes can help geologists to understand these events,
and the structures that cause them. The international non-profit
organisation 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...
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