Lexi Webster
Australia has relatively few earthquakes, with about 785 quakes per year on average. The country experiences earthquakes of varying magnitudes, with the strongest recorded earthquake in the past 125 years occurring in 1968, with a magnitude of 6.5. More recently, in 2019, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 struck 200 km northwest of Broome, Western Australia, causing minor damage. While Australia has had at least two earthquakes above magnitude 8 since 1900, larger earthquakes are expected to occur infrequently, approximately every 60 to 65 years.
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What You'll Learn
The last big earthquake: July 2019, Broome, Western Australia
Australia experiences relatively few earthquakes, with about 785 quakes occurring on average per year. However, on July 14, 2019, a magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck 200 km northwest of Broome, Western Australia. This earthquake, known as the Broome Offshore earthquake, caused minor damage to the town. It was one of the two largest magnitude earthquakes recorded in the seismically active region of northwest WA, the other being the Lake Muir earthquake in 2018.
The Broome Offshore earthquake occurred in a similar location to another earthquake in 1929, which also had a magnitude of 6.6. While earthquakes of magnitude 6 or above are uncommon in Australia, they do occur infrequently, with an average of one earthquake of magnitude 7 or higher every 100 years. These earthquakes are typically felt over greater distances in Western and Central Australia due to the older, colder, and harder rocks in these regions.
In comparison to other countries, Australia has had a relatively low number of strong earthquakes. Since 1900, there have been at least two earthquakes above magnitude 8 in Australia, which is a rare occurrence. Earthquakes of magnitude 9 and larger are typically only seen on subduction zones, such as along the west coast of South America.
The Broome Offshore earthquake was a significant event in Australia's seismic history, and it serves as a reminder that certain regions in Australia are more prone to earthquakes than others. It is crucial for Australians to be aware of the dangers of earthquakes and to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.
Overall, while Australia experiences fewer earthquakes compared to other regions, it is still important to be prepared and informed about seismic activity, especially in areas with higher seismic risk.
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The strongest earthquake since 1900: October 1968, near Perth
Australia has relatively few earthquakes. On 14 October 1968, at 10:58 or 10:59 am local time, a 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck 122 kilometres (76 miles) east-northeast of Perth. The earthquake had a depth of 15 kilometres below land. This earthquake is considered the strongest in or near Australia since 1900. It is also considered the strongest earthquake with its epicentre on land.
The earthquake injured at least 17 people and caused extensive property damage. It is the best-known earthquake in Western Australia in the late twentieth century. The earthquake was felt in towns 650 kilometres (400 miles) away, and it caused over $2 million in damage. The hypocentre occurred 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) below the earth's surface in the Yandanooka/Cape Riche Lineamen region located east of Meckering.
The previous largest earthquake documented occurred in 1941 in Meeberrie, in the Murchison region. The largest earthquake affecting Western Australia in modern times was an offshore earthquake in 2019, 200 kilometres west of Broome, with a magnitude of 6.6, causing minor damage in the town.
In the past 10 years, 73 earthquakes with a magnitude of four or higher occurred within a 300-kilometre range from Australia. This averages to seven earthquakes yearly or one earthquake every 50 days.
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Earthquakes in Australia are infrequent
Earthquakes in Australia are relatively infrequent compared to other parts of the world. While the country does experience seismic activity, the number of earthquakes and their magnitude are generally lower than in more active regions like Japan, the Philippines, or California.
On average, there are about 785 earthquakes in Australia per year, with magnitudes ranging from minor tremors to moderate quakes. Most of these earthquakes occur at relatively shallow depths of less than 20 kilometers, which is typical for Australian geology. Deeper earthquakes, which can be more destructive, are less common in Australia.
The strongest earthquake recorded near Australia in recent history occurred on October 14, 1968, with a magnitude of 6.5. This quake was centered about 122 kilometers east-northeast of Perth at a depth of 15 kilometers. It is worth noting that this earthquake occurred over 50 years ago, indicating the infrequency of such powerful quakes in the region.
More recently, in 2019, a magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck offshore of Broome in Western Australia, causing minor damage to the town. This was one of the largest earthquakes recorded in the region and serves as a reminder that while earthquakes in Australia are infrequent, they can still pose a risk to communities.
Overall, the low seismicity in Australia means that strong earthquake motion occurs less often, and the country is unlikely to experience magnitude 8 or larger "great earthquakes," which typically only occur at plate boundaries. However, it is important for Australians to remain vigilant and prepared, as even smaller earthquakes can cause damage, especially in more vulnerable areas.
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WA's seismically active regions
Western Australia (WA) has experienced several significant earthquakes in the past. The most recent one occurred on July 14, 2019, with a magnitude of 6.6, about 200 km north-west of Broome, causing minor damage in the town. Going back further, on August 16, 1929, a magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck offshore to the north-west of Broome.
While Australia has a low to moderate risk of earthquakes overall, there are certain seismically active regions in WA that are more prone to tremors. These regions are characterised by their proximity to fault lines and areas of tectonic plate activity.
One such area is the Indian Ocean region off the coast of WA. This area has experienced several earthquakes, including the 2019 Broome earthquake and the 1929 Broome earthquake mentioned earlier. The Indian Ocean region is seismically active due to its proximity to the Indian Ocean-Australian Plate boundary, where the two tectonic plates interact.
Another seismically active region in WA is the area around the Simpson Desert in the Northern Territory. This region has experienced two significant earthquakes: one on December 21, 1937, with a magnitude of 6.0, and another on June 27, 1941, with a magnitude of 6.5. Both earthquakes occurred in remote locations southeast of Alice Springs. The seismic activity in this region may be attributed to underlying tectonic forces and fault lines.
Additionally, the region near the Arafura Sea, which borders WA, has also experienced seismic activity. While specific earthquake events in this region were not readily available, the Arafura Sea lies within a broader area of tectonic plate interaction, increasing the likelihood of earthquakes.
It is worth noting that the risk of seismic activity in WA and Australia as a whole is relatively low compared to other regions globally, such as Asia, South America, and New Zealand, which are known for their higher frequency and intensity of earthquakes due to active tectonic plates and fault lines.
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The Simpson Desert earthquake
Australia experiences relatively few earthquakes. On average, the country records about 785 quakes per year, with most of them being of a small magnitude. The last major earthquake in Australia occurred on July 14, 2019, with a magnitude of 6.6. The earthquake's epicenter was located 200 km northwest of Broome, Western Australia, causing minor damage in the town.
However, one notable earthquake in Australia's history is the Simpson Desert earthquake, which occurred in August 1972. The Simpson Desert is a large arid region of red sandy plains and dunes in the Northern Territory, South Australia, and Queensland in central Australia. The desert covers an area of 176,500 square kilometers (68,100 square miles), making it the fourth-largest desert in Australia.
The 1972 Simpson Desert earthquake was a significant event, with a magnitude of 6.2. It occurred in a remote location within the Simpson Desert, southeast of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. The earthquake's impact may have been heightened by the unique geological characteristics of the region. The Simpson Desert is underlain by the Great Artesian Basin, one of the largest inland drainage areas globally. The water from this basin rises to the surface at various natural springs, such as Dalhousie Springs, and through bores drilled for stock routes or petroleum exploration.
The Simpson Desert region holds cultural significance for Aboriginal people, who have inhabited the area for at least 5,000 years and continue to reside there today. The Lower Southern Arrernte and Eastern Arrernte communities occupied the western regions, while the Karangura and Wanggamala people lived in the east. The Wangkangurru people, in particular, are closely associated with the Simpson Desert, knowing it by the name Munga-Thirri.
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Frequently asked questions
The last big earthquake in Australia was on July 14, 2019, in Broome, Western Australia. It had a magnitude of 6.6 and caused minor damage to the town.
The earthquake that occurred before the 2019 Broome earthquake took place in the Simpson Desert on June 27, 1941. It had a magnitude of 6.5 and occurred in a remote location in the Northern Territory, southeast of Alice Springs.
The strongest earthquake recorded near Australia in the past 125 years occurred on October 14, 1968, with a magnitude of 6.5. The earthquake's centre was located 122km east-northeast of Perth, at a depth of 15km below land.
