‘DEVASTATING’ earthquakes could DOUBLE next year – experts warn

THE number of devastating earthquakes hitting Earth next year is set for a big increase

By Jamie Micklethwaite

A number of huge earthquakes have devastated this year, killing hundreds of people in their wake.

540 people were killed when a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the Middle East near the Iran-Iraq border last week.

And 370 people perished after a 7.1 earthquake struck Central Mexico in September.


This was only a week after a huge 8.2 quake hit the Chiapas region of the same nation.

But science boffins have warned that seismic activity has indicated that quakes could increase by 10-15 next year.

Expert Rebecca Benedict told the Observer: “The correlation between Earth’s rotation and earthquake activity is strong and suggests there is going to be an increase in numbers of intense earthquakes next year.”


In her study with Roger Bilham presented at the Geological Society of America, the pair looked at the number of quakes hitting at above seven on the richter scale since 1900.

They found that when the Earth’s rotation decreased, it was followed by periods of intense earthquakes.

Mr Bilham said: “In these periods, there were between 25 to 30 intense earthquakes a year.


“The rest of the time the average figure was around 15 major earthquakes a year.”

The pair found that the Earth’s rotation began one of its “slow” periods, indicating that more earthquakes are on the way.”

Mr Bilham added: “Next year we should see a significant increase in numbers of severe earthquakes.

“We have had it easy this year. So far we have only had about six severe earthquakes.

“We could easily have 20 a year starting in 2018.”


San Andreas Fault hit by 10 tremors faces ‘INEVITABLE’ 7.8 quake that could kill 1,800

CALIFORNIA is on high alert for a “Big One” earthquake measuring magnitude 7.8 after a swarm of tremors rocked the dreaded San Andreas Fault.

By Joshua Nevett


A series of 10 mini-earthquakes that struck Monterey County in the US state on Sunday has raised fears a monster tremor could devastate the region.

The largest earthquake, measuring magnitude 4.6 on the Richter scale, was felt in San Francisco more than 90 miles (145 km) away.

In the short term, this swarm has dramatically increased the chances of a colossal earthquake rattling the region, according to experts.

Scientists believe the US state is long overdue a magnitude 7 or greater earthquake by around 50 years.

The San Andreas Fault – an 800-mile fissure that runs almost the length of California – is thought to be the cause for most concern.


Over the past 150 years, pressure has been building up along the fault that experts believe could unleash the next major earthquake.

The recent earthquake swarm happened on the infamous fault line, which runs from the Gulf of California to north the region of Cape Mendocino.

Seismologist Lucy Jones, of US Geological Survey, said the San Andreas Fault is the most likely of California’s 300 to produce a major earthquake.



“When we have a big San Andreas earthquake it’ll be felt in Las Vegas and in Arizona. It may be felt in the Bay Area,” she said.

Research suggests the fault is gearing up for a magnitude 7.8 earthquake – 11 times more powerful than the 7.1 that hit Mexico City in September.

An earthquake that size could trigger multiple faults in the region, experts believe.


“Everything that crosses the fault will be broken. So that’s roads, railways, gas pipelines, water systems, electric transmission lines," she said.

All of these things cross the fault and will be now offset 10 to 30 feet."

The damage and death unleashed by an earthquake that size would be catastrophic, Jones said.


She estimates more than 1,800 people would die, around 300,000 homes would be destroyed and $213billion in damages would be incurred.

“The earthquake is inevitable but the disaster is not,” said Jones.

“And we can make a difference by the choices we make that’ll make it be a lot less damaging.”

What folks should worry about is the New Madrid fault line. If it goes like it did New Years 1811/1812 at 8.0 or higher again the US would turn into a third world nation over night.