BREAKING NEWS: 5.1 magnitude quake in southeast Spain kills 7, El Pais newspaper reports

MSN

[livius]

I have been to Lorca a couple of times. It is a small city south of Murcia (a big regional city in the Comunidad (or “state” of Murcia). It is very traditional but very modern at the same time and I liked it a lot.

In terms of residences, Spain has everything ranging from caves to traditional adobe or stone buildings to modern brick buildings. And none of them are earthquake resistant because earthquakes simply aren’t that common on the Iberian Peninsula. But when they hit, it can be pretty bad...do some research on the Lisbon earthquake.

Prayers for these people, because it was something unthought of, completely outside of their experience, and unintelligible to most modern de-Christianized Spaniards.

[cll]

God Bless and take care. I was in Cartagena, Murcia last December. Such beautiful and historic country.

[Errant]

Thanks for the kind words. I'm across the Mississippi river from you and have lived through a disaster are two myself. ;) Will post an updated chart at the beginning of July.

I'm pretty sure another three months of data will remove much of the shewing caused by the Japan earthquake aftershocks. However, I expect a continuing trend of ever increasing numbers of 5+ earthquakes.

I think we may be seeing the beginnings of a natural cycle of increased earthquake and volcanic activity.

[Errant]

Certainly and as far as the density of seismic detectors in a region, it shouldn't be a factor when dealing with magnitude 5+ earthquakes. That's why I used the larger eartquakes as a cutoff. I'm pretty sure the USGS data is VERY accurate for large earthquakes as the detectors can detect these anywhere on the planet.

Data all the way back to the start of the cold war most likely exists somewhere in a secret data storage bank.

[Palladin]

Mother Nature lost her GPS.

[Errant]

may just have initiated something with the plates.

Something seems to be on the increase, especially with the pacific plate. It's pretty well outlined now with daily and weekly occurrences. You didn't see the outline very well in the past. The only area that hasn't had an increase in large quakes (though smaller ones have seemingly increased) is the West Coast of the United States. If I lived on the West Coast, I'd certainly have a few essentials put away just in case there is a BIG one!

[Errant]

Is this simply better and more thorough measurement?

I'm not an expert, this is just a hobby of mine to track these. I believe, except for each countries spy network, that the USGS has the most accurate data that exists. I'm pretty certain that magnitude 5+ earthquakes can be detected by modern seismic detectors (since 1973 or the cold war) from anywhere on the planet. In that case, you just need a few to triangulate the location. Would love for any experts in the field who might also be Freepers to chime in.

[Cvengr]

For many people, they are just being observant.

I also suspect there might be some spiritual perception occurring when people remark with that phrase. In other words, the comment might manifest not so much the soulish expression of recall, but a spiritual perception of its association giving rise to a thought in the person in fellowship with God through faith in Christ. We might not be focusing on who originated the thought in us, but simply recognize the spiritual perception. Nothing clever is being suggested.

[Gondring]

I believe “Atlantis” was a small island off the coast of southwestern Spain.

[Gondring]

Did you correct for the changing definition of magnitude?

[JimSEA]

You are wise to take precautions. The Clearlake area of Northern CA has fascinated me with the usually low magnitude earthquakes on a daily + occurrence. Isn’t there some geothermal work there?

[Quix]

I remember that era.

[Gondring]

Because of so few quakes recently, as of today, May 11, the projected total for 2011 is down to 3115. Still, that's significantly higher than historically.

[acapesket]

Read the “blog” page regarding the Rome ‘panic’ from yesterday. This is pretty fearsome stuff.

[Quix]

Some observers are immune to some observations.

Or blind or some such.

[JimSEA]

That is something.

[Errant]

Did you correct for the changing definition of magnitude?

No, I'm using data from a couple of USGS catalogs. Besides, wasn't most of the changes in magnitude definition made in the 70's? Also, it seems to be almost a "wash" from some of the charts I've seen comparing earthquake magnitudes before and after the change in magnitude computations? Finally, I don't see any indication of such in the chart.

Not defending, just trying to cover the bases. I appreciate the question.

[Errant]

Still, that's significantly higher than historically.

Yes it is. The average for the short history, until recently, has been about 1500 per year, based on USGS data. We'll have to see how 2011 finally plays out. Currently 5+ are double the historical average. Very significant indeed.

Thanks,

[bdfromlv]

remember his last prediction was off by 2 days (still got time)

[Explorer89]

Could you provide a link to the blog about the Rome panic? I can’t find it. Thanks.