·

Earthquake swarm near Rijeka, Croatia

earthquake-swarm-rijeka-croatia-august-2017

An unusual earthquake swarm is in progress near Rijeka, Croatia since 09:35 UTC on August 8, 2017. EMSC is reporting 7 earthquakes within 39 hours, but residents say they already felt dozens. This region sits directly on top of Adriatic plate's NW border.

As of 15:32 UTC on August 9, EMSC database has 7 earthquakes in this region with magnitudes ranging from 2.2 to 3.7 and depths between 2 and 13 km (1.2 – 8 miles).

The strongest were two M3.7 quakes which struck at 09:35 and 20:42 UTC on August 8 at depths of 10 and 13 km (6.2 to 8 miles), respectively.

They were followed by M3.3 at 21:53 UTC on August 8, and M2.9 at 02:04 UTC, M2.2 at 04:24 UTC, M3.5 at 11:37 UTC and M2.9 at 15:32 UTC on August 9.

M3.7 earthquake near Rijeka, Croatia on August 8, 2017

However, residents are reporting they felt dozens of earthquakes, describing the situation as almost 'constantly shaking.' Last night, many of them slept in cars and tents away from buildings. They say authorities did not issue any statement.

Swarms such as this one are unusual for this region. The country experiences several quakes per year, with magnitudes rarely exceeding 4.

Earthquake swarm near Rijeka, Croatia - August 2017

Earthquakes registered by the EMSC on between 09:35 UTC on August 8 and 15:32 UTC on August 9, 2017. Credit: EMSC, Google

The strongest earthquake in the known history of the city of Rijeka took place on December 17, 1750. Its location was 23 km (14.3 miles) SSW of the city center, between Jesenovik, Kožljak, Brseč and Mošćenička Draga. The magnitude and depth of this earthquake are unknown. What is known is that it devastated Rijeka and nearby towns, causing many deaths.

The table below shows regional deadly earthquakes from 1500 to 2000.

Rijeka, Croatia - Regional deadly earthquakes from 1500 to 2000

Source:. T. Utsu ; International Handbook of Earthquake and Engineering Seismology; vol. A; 691-718

Adriatic plate

The Adriatic or Apulian Plate is a small tectonic plate carrying primarily continental crust that broke away from the African plate along a large transform fault in the Cretaceous period. The name Adriatic Plate is usually used when referring to the northern part of the plate. This part of the plate was deformed during the Alpine orogeny, when the Adriatic/Apulian Plate collided with the Eurasian plate.

The Adriatic/Apulian Plate is thought to still move independently of the Eurasian Plate in NNE direction with a small component of counter-clockwise rotation. The fault zone that separates the two is the Periadriatic Seam that runs through the Alps.

Adriatic microplate boundaries

Adriatic plate boundaries

Studies indicate that in addition to deforming, the Eurasian continental crust has actually subducted to some extent below the Adriatic/Apulian Plate, an unusual circumstance in plate tectonics. 

Oceanic crust of the African Plate is also subducting under the Adriatic/Apulian Plate off the western and southern coasts of the Italian Peninsula, creating a berm of assorted debris which rises from the seafloor and continues onshore. This subduction is also responsible for the volcanics of southern Italy.

Featured image: Earthquake swarm near Rijeka, Croatia – August 2017. Credit: EMSC, Google

Share:

Commenting rules and guidelines

We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect.
  • Stay on topic and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.
  • Do not use abusive or hateful language.
  • Do not spam or promote unrelated products or services.
  • Do not post any personal information or content that is illegal, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *