February, 2001
This month we go to the USGS to learn more about the devastating earthquake that struck India in January. This was an intraplate quake, one that occurs within a tectonic plate rather than along its margins. Intraplate quakes can happen anywhere but they are less frequent than quakes generated by movement along plate boundaries. Although much smaller, the recent earthquakes in Ohio and New York were also intraplate events.
Although the theory of plate tectonics explains the occurrence of earthquakes along plate boundaries, scientists must work harder to understand why earthquakes occur in the interiors of plates. The Indian earthquake was located a few hundred kilometers south of the edge of the Indian plate. At this point, most scientists attribute this earthquake to strain associated with the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.
Related Web Sites
Area affected by the earthquake in Gujarat: This Web site features a map of India, showing the location of the earthquake. Helpful for the geographical context of this event.
Quake survivor found as India recoups: This in-depth story on the Indian earthquake from CNN covers angles: human interest, geology, the economy and scale of the disaster, medical concerns. Has links to many other related sites.
Miracles in the Rubble: This CBS World News article discusses the human scale of the disaster including relief efforts, relocation of villagers to new settlements and the extent of the damage. Includes audio and video links to related sites.
Gujarat Earthquake January 2001: This University of Colorado Web site take a more seismological perspective on the event, and provides a description of the tectonic background of this area.
New Madrid 1811-1812: For something a little closer to home, consider the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811 and 1812. These events are also "intraplate" events, although the New Madrid events are much further from the plate boundary. This USGS Web site has a description of the events.
Related Classroom Activities
Southern India Earthquake Information: This IRIS Web site allows visitors to look at seismograms for the earthquake, view fault animations, and make maps of seismicity. Can be used to build on the tectonic information from the USGS and other sites.
Earthquake Update: Mary Lou Zoback, chief scientist of the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, was featured on Talk of the Nation by National Public Radio. You can listen to the Feb 2, 2001 show at this site, if your computer has Real Audio Player.
Earthquakes of Magnitude 7 and greater: The Indian earthquake is the 5th earthquake of magnitude 7 or greater in 2001. This USGS Web page tries to put the occurrence of large earthquakes in context (for example, there were 16 such events in 2000).
On the Move...Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics: Interactive map, word search, quiz, glossary, and content background from NASA.
Science News Write-Up: Write a report on this article for your class! Here is a suggested outline to help you organize the report.
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