Earthquake in Assam

On April 28, 2021, seven back-to-back earthquakes occurred in Assam and other north eastern states. The first shocks were of 6.4 magnitude. Later, the jolts were at 3.2 to 3.4 magnitude in Richter scale. Roads were cracked and buildings tilted in Sonitpur and Nagaon.

The occurrence of earthquakes was confirmed by National Center for Seismology.

About the Epicentre

The Epicentre of the earthquake was located at a depth of 17 km. The epicentre was located 9 km away from the town of Dhekiajuli of Assam.

National Center for Seismology

• It is the nodal agency that monitors earthquake activity in India
• It maintains a National Seismological Network of 115 stations. Each station holds a separate equipment.
• Apart from monitory, the center also performs Seismic Hazard Microzonation and seismological research.

Causes of the Assam Earthquake

The entire Himalayas are prone to Earthquakes. This is because the Indian tectonic plate is continuously wedging into the Eurasian plate at a speed of 44 millimetres per year. These motions build up stress and trigger earthquakes.

While the entire Himalayas are prone to earthquakes, the high-intensity earthquakes occur in North Eastern India and thus these regions are classified under Zone V.

Waves generated during Earthquakes

Every earthquake occurring in the planet generates three different types of waves called P-waves, S-waves and L-waves. The P-waves are longitudinal waves. They are analogous to sound waves. The S-Waves are transversal waves and are analogous to light waves. The L-waves are surface waves. They originate when the P-waves of the earthquake hits the surface of the earth.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2021