EARTHQUAKE IN MEXICO VIA THE NATIONAL SEISMOLOGICAL SERVICE
In the context of Plate Tectonics, Mexico is located in the so-called Ring of Fire, where a large part of the seismic movements worldwide are recorded. The country is located on the North American Plate, bordered on its southern and western portion by the Cocos, Rivera, and Pacific plates.
Mexico is one of the countries in the world with the highest seismic activity, since, according to statistics, more than 90 earthquakes per year with a magnitude greater than 4 on the Richter scale are recorded, which is equivalent to 60% of all seismic movements recorded worldwide.
Based on statistical records, the states with the highest risk and where large magnitude earthquakes occur that can affect Mexico City are: Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Puebla, State of Mexico, and Veracruz.
- WHAT IS THE LARGEST MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE THAT SHOOK MEXICO CITY?
On September 19, 1985, Mexico City experienced a devastating earthquake of 8.1 magnitude, with its epicenter on the Pacific coast.
It is estimated that at least 10,000 people lost their lives, affecting and collapsing thousands of housing, commercial, and public service structures.
- WHAT IS AN EARTHQUAKE?
An earthquake is a sudden rupture of rocks inside the Earth. This sudden release of energy propagates in the form of waves that cause ground movement.
- WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MAGNITUDE AND INTENSITY OF AN EARTHQUAKE?
They are scales to measure the size or impact of a tremor. The magnitude scale is obtained numerically from records obtained by seismographs and is related to the size and energy released during a tremor. The intensity scale is assigned based on the damage or effects caused to people and their constructions.
- WHY DO SO MANY EARTHQUAKES OCCUR IN MEXICO?
In the context of Plate Tectonics, Mexico is located in the so-called Ring of Fire, where a large part of the seismic movements worldwide are recorded. The country is located on the North American Plate, bordered on its southern and western portion by the Cocos, Rivera, and Pacific plates.
Mexico is one of the countries in the world with the highest seismic activity, since according to statistics, more than 90 earthquakes per year with a magnitude greater than 4 on the Richter scale are recorded, which is equivalent to 60% of all seismic movements recorded worldwide.
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What was the magnitude and where was the last tremor in Mexico? Watch live here the reports from the National Seismological Service (SSN) about earthquakes in the country.
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