Shallow Earthquake in Morocco

September 12, 2023

A devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck Morocco, with its epicenter near Marrakech, causing significant casualties and damage to buildings in the region. As of the latest reports, at least 632 people have died, primarily in Marrakech and neighboring provinces, and 329 people are injured.

Earthquakes are relatively rare in North Africa, and Morocco, not being a seismically active region, was ill-prepared for such a natural disaster. Rescue efforts are underway in affected areas, and the region remains on edge due to aftershocks.

What factors contributed to the significant casualties and damage caused by the earthquake in Morocco?

Several factors contributed to the substantial casualties and damage. Firstly, Morocco is not a region that frequently experiences earthquakes, resulting in a lack of preparedness and construction standards for seismic events. Many buildings, especially in rural areas and older cities, were not designed to withstand strong tremors.

Additionally, the shallow depth of the earthquake, occurring at around 18.5 km below the Earth’s surface, released more energy, making it more destructive. The historic city of Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, saw many houses collapse. The remote location of affected villages in the Atlas mountains further complicated rescue and relief efforts.

What geological factors contributed to the occurrence of the earthquake in Morocco, an area not known for frequent seismic activity?

The earthquake in Morocco occurred due to the northward convergence of the African plate with respect to the Eurasian plate along a complex plate boundary. While seismicity rates are relatively lower in North Africa compared to other regions, Morocco has experienced large destructive earthquakes in the past. In this case, the earthquake resulted from oblique-reverse faulting at a shallow depth within the Moroccan High Atlas Mountain range. Faults, fractures between rock blocks, allow for movement, and when they suddenly slip, they cause earthquakes. The oblique-reverse faulting observed in this earthquake is characteristic of areas experiencing compression, where tectonic plates are converging.

Why are shallow earthquakes considered more dangerous than deeper ones?

Shallow earthquakes are considered more dangerous than deeper ones because they release more energy closer to the Earth’s surface. When an earthquake occurs at a shallow depth, the seismic waves generated by the rupture reach the surface with greater force and intensity. This can lead to stronger ground shaking, causing more damage to structures and increasing the risk of casualties. In contrast, deeper earthquakes, while capable of spreading their effects over a larger area, tend to lose energy as they travel to the surface, resulting in less intense shaking. Shallow earthquakes are therefore more likely to cause significant destruction and pose higher risks to populated areas.

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