2002 Mindanao earthquake

2002 Mindanao earthquake
Date March 5, 2002 (2002-03-05)
Magnitude 7.5 Mw
Epicenter 6°01′59″N 124°14′56″E / 6.033°N 124.249°E / 6.033; 124.249Coordinates: 6°01′59″N 124°14′56″E / 6.033°N 124.249°E / 6.033; 124.249
Areas affected Philippines
Tsunami Yes
Casualties 15

The 2002 Mindanao earthquake struck the Philippines on March 5. The sixth most powerful earthquake of the year, it registered a magnitude of 7.5 and was a megathrust earthquake. It originated near the Cotabato Trench, a zone of deformation situated between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Sunda Plate. The entire country is characterized by a high level of volcanic and seismic activity. The earthquake was responsible for 15 deaths and roughly 100 injuries. Up to 800 buildings were damaged as a result, many from a flood generated by landslides and falling debris. A tsunami followed the earthquake.

Geology

The epicenter of the earthquake was located near the Cotobato Trench; the magnitude of this megathrust earthquake was 7.5, the sixth strongest of the year.[1] It occurred in a zone of geologic deformation along the Sunda and Philippine Sea Plates, which converge at a rate of 6 centimeters (2 in) each year.[2] The Philippines sits on several microplates between two convergent plates, the Philippine Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Tectonic activity in the country includes both earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Because of subduction of the Eurasian Plate to the west, volcanic activity occurs along the Manila Trench and the Sulu Trench, often of powerful caliber. 13 percent of recorded eruptions in the Philippines have been deadly, as the country is responsible for the world's most deaths in volcanic eruptions.[3] Seismicity as well has been powerful: in the last 50 years, more than half of the country's major earthquakes have reached magnitude 7.0 or greater. The earliest known major shock was in 1976, killing some 8,000 people. The Mindanao event was the fourth of seven major events since 1975.[4]

Damage and casualties

Killing 15 and injuring roughly 100, the earthquake damaged as many as 800 buildings throughout the southern and central parts of Mindanao. It spawned landslides in South Cotabato Province which flowed through the crater lake on Mount Parker, creating a widespread flood. These large flows of water surged past homes - sweeping them away - and enveloped at least 9 districts of the Province. It also created local tsunamis reaching a maximum height of 3 meters (10 ft) at Kiamba, Maitum and Palimbang.[5] The earthquake was powerful enough to knock over concrete walls and fences. Sending debris raining down on people, the earthquake rocked homes and sent objects flying off of shelves.[6] The earthquake was responsible for the destruction of a major road.[7]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Magnitude 7 and Greater Earthquakes in 2002". United States Geological Survey. December 1, 2003. Retrieved May 31, 2010.
  2. ↑ "Magnitude 7.5 Mindanao, Philippines". United States Geological Survey. November 13, 2003. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  3. ↑ "Tectonics and Volcanoes of the Philippines". Volcano World. Oregon State University. 2010. Retrieved May 31, 2010.
  4. ↑ "Historic World Earthquakes". United States Geological Survey. November 23, 2009. Retrieved May 31, 2010.
  5. ↑ "Poster of the Mindanao, Philippines Earthquake of 05 March 2002 - Magnitude 7.5". United States Geological Survey. October 19, 2009. Retrieved May 29, 2010.
  6. ↑ Associated Press (March 6, 2002). "Strong earthquake rocks southern Philippines, killing four people, injuring 15 and cutting power".
  7. ↑ "Members safe after earthquake". The Deseret News. March 16, 2002. Retrieved May 31, 2010.
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