Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is prone to intra-plate earthquakes, which are caused by rock breakage deep within the Earth in the outer crust, where rocks are cold enough to be brittle. These earthquakes are less predictable than plate-margin earthquakes, which are common in places like California, Japan, and New Zealand. While Australia experiences about 100 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or higher each year, they are less frequent than in other countries. The largest earthquake to affect Australia in recent times was the Newcastle earthquake in 1989, which killed 13 people and injured 160 others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency | On average, 100 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or more are recorded in Australia each year. |
| Magnitude | Earthquakes of magnitude 8 or larger are termed "great earthquakes" and are unlikely to occur in Australia. Australia experiences earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or higher about once every 10 years. |
| Types | Australia is prone to intra-plate earthquakes, which are different and less predictable than the plate-margin type of earthquake common in areas like California and Japan. |
| Locations | Earthquakes in Western and Central Australia are felt over greater distances than those in Eastern Australia. |
| Depth | Earthquakes in Eastern Australia occur at depths of about 20 km. |
| Notable Examples | The Newcastle earthquake in 1989, which killed 13 people and injured 160. An offshore earthquake 200 km northwest of Broome in 2019, which caused minor damage. |
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What You'll Learn
Magnitude and frequency
Australia is prone to intra-plate earthquakes, which are different and less predictable than the plate-margin type of earthquakes common in areas close to tectonic plate boundaries, such as California, Japan, and New Zealand. While earthquakes occur in Australia daily, they are usually of a smaller magnitude. On average, about 100 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or more are recorded in the country each year, and Australia tends to experience one magnitude 5 earthquake per year.
The largest earthquake to affect Australia in recent times was the Newcastle earthquake in 1989, which killed 13 people and injured 160. This earthquake had a magnitude of 5.6. Another notable earthquake in Australia was the 2019 Broome earthquake, which had a magnitude of 6.6 and caused minor damage to the town. Other significant earthquakes in Australia include the 1937 Simpson Desert earthquake (magnitude 6.0) and the 1941 Simpson Desert earthquake (magnitude 6.5), both of which occurred in remote locations.
The magnitude of earthquakes in Australia can vary, but they rarely exceed a magnitude of 8. Earthquakes of magnitude 9 and larger typically only occur on subduction zones, such as along the west coast of South America or the south coast of Alaska. These "great earthquakes" are unlikely ever to occur within Australia.
The frequency of earthquakes in Australia is relatively low compared to other countries. However, any location in Australia will eventually experience very strong earthquake motion. The rocks in Western and Central Australia are old, relatively cold, and hard, so seismic waves are not significantly attenuated by absorption of energy. This means that earthquakes in these regions can still cause damage, even if they are less frequent than in other parts of the world.
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Intraplate earthquakes
Australia experiences intraplate earthquakes, which are earthquakes that occur within a tectonic plate rather than at the boundary between two plates. These earthquakes are caused by stresses that have built up within the Earth's brittle crust, resulting in rock breakage deep within the Earth. Unlike countries like Japan, New Zealand, and Indonesia, Australia is not located near a tectonic plate boundary where large earthquakes typically occur. However, Australia is still prone to intraplate earthquakes, which have a "shallow focus."
The Meckering earthquakes, for example, have been studied to understand the longevity of seismic activity in the region. Additionally, studies have shown evidence of intraplate earthquake migration in northern China, with no recurrence over a 2000-3000 year period.
Australia experiences an average of 100 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or higher annually. The largest recent earthquake to impact Australia was the Newcastle earthquake in 1989, which had a magnitude of 6.3 and resulted in 13 fatalities and 160 injuries. Other notable earthquakes in Australia include the 1929 Broome earthquake (magnitude 6.6), the 1937 Simpson Desert earthquake (magnitude 6.0), and the 2019 Broome earthquake (magnitude 6.6), which caused minor damage to the town.
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Earthquake preparedness
Australia experiences intra-plate earthquakes with a 'shallow focus' due to its geological position. While the country is not known for frequent seismic activity, it has witnessed significant earthquakes, including the 1989 Newcastle earthquake, which resulted in 13 deaths and 160 injuries. The most recent significant earthquake occurred in 2019, 200 km northwest of Broome, Western Australia, causing minor damage.
Given the unpredictable and destructive nature of earthquakes, it is essential for both the government and citizens to take proactive measures to prepare for such events. Here are some key components of earthquake preparedness:
Seismic Monitoring and Information:
Stay informed about seismic activity in your area. Geoscience Australia, the lead agency in earthquake expertise, provides valuable information and data analysis. Understanding the risks and impacts of earthquakes in your region is crucial for preparedness.
Emergency Kit and Backup Power:
Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies, as you may be without power, water, and other services for extended periods after an earthquake. Include items like drinking water, fuel supplies, and a portable power station to keep critical devices functional and maintain communication.
Home and Property Preparation:
Secure heavy and tall furniture to prevent injuries and blockages of emergency exits. Store heavy or fragile items on low shelves to minimise the risk of them falling during an earthquake. Pay special attention to rooms frequently used, such as the kitchen and bedrooms, and keep a fire extinguisher easily accessible.
During an Earthquake:
If you are indoors, stay inside and avoid doorways. Protect yourself by dropping to the ground, covering your head and neck, and holding on to something sturdy. If possible, crawl under a sturdy table or desk for shelter. If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings and other structures.
After an Earthquake:
Expect aftershocks and be ready to drop, cover, and hold on again if they occur. If you are in a damaged building, evacuate and stay away from it. If you are trapped, signal for help, and if you are in an area prone to tsunamis, move inland or to higher ground. Help those who are injured, and if you require medical attention, contact emergency services.
Remember, while it is not possible to fully predict or prevent earthquakes, taking these preparedness measures can significantly enhance your safety and resilience during such events.
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Historic earthquakes
Australia is prone to intra-plate earthquakes, which are less predictable than the plate-margin type of earthquake common in places like California, Japan, and New Zealand. While Australia does not lie in close proximity to a tectonic plate boundary, communities in the country can still experience damaging and deadly earthquakes. On average, 100 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or more are recorded in Australia each year, and the country tends to get one magnitude 5 earthquake per year.
Some of the most significant earthquakes in Australia's history include:
- The Meckering earthquake: 14 October 1968, magnitude 6.5.
- Broome: 16 August 1929, magnitude 6.6, an offshore earthquake 200 km north-west of Broome, Western Australia.
- Simpson Desert: 21 December 1937, magnitude 6.0, in a remote location in the Northern Territory, south-east of Alice Springs.
- Simpson Desert: 27 June 1941, magnitude 6.5, in the same remote location in the Northern Territory, south-east of Alice Springs.
- Newcastle earthquake: 1989, which killed 13 people and injured 160.
- Broome: 14 July 2019, magnitude 6.6, an offshore earthquake 200 km north-west of Broome, Western Australia, causing minor damage to the town.
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Geoscience Australia
Australia is relatively safe from earthquakes compared to other parts of the world, as it is distant from tectonic plate boundaries where large earthquakes are more frequent. However, the Australian continent can still experience potentially damaging earthquakes. The Australian plate is the fastest-moving continental land mass on Earth, moving about 7 cm per year to the northeast and colliding with the Pacific plate to the north and east, and the Eurasian Plate to the northwest. This movement generates compressive stress in the interior of the Australian continent, which is slowly building up across the plate and can be suddenly released when rocks deep underground break and move along a fault line. This sudden release of stress causes earthquakes.
While some parts of the country are more likely to experience earthquakes than others, large earthquakes can occur anywhere across the continent, and without warning. On average, about 100 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or more are recorded in Australia each year. Earthquakes above magnitude 5.0, such as the 1989 Newcastle earthquake, occur on average every one to two years. Approximately every 10 years, Australia experiences a potentially damaging earthquake of magnitude 6.0 or larger, such as the 1968 Meckering earthquake and the 2019 off-shore Broome earthquake.
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Frequently asked questions
Earthquakes can occur anywhere in Australia, but Western and Central Australia will feel them over greater distances than Eastern Australia due to the varying hardness of rocks.
On average, Australia experiences one magnitude 5 earthquake per year and 100 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or higher.
The Newcastle earthquake in 1989 was the largest earthquake to affect Australia in recent times, killing 13 people and injuring 160.
Due to Australia's geological position, the country is prone to intra-plate earthquakes, which are less predictable and have a "shallow focus" compared to the plate-margin type of earthquakes common in countries like the US, Japan, and New Zealand.
While it is not possible to fully prepare for the impact of an earthquake, people living or working in earthquake-prone regions can take steps to get informed and prepare their properties and families for potential earthquakes.
