Earthquakes can be deadly. But according to a new study, what we feel during these events is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to their energy. Researchers at MIT set out to learn more about how earthquakes work by creating “lab quakes,” which are small-scale simulations of real earthquakes. This groundbreaking study was published in the journal AGU Advances.
In their experiments, the team discovered something surprising. Only about 10% of the energy from an earthquake causes the shaking that we feel. The majority—between 68 and 98%—is converted into heat around the earthquake’s epicenter. Meanwhile, less than 1% is used to break rocks and create new surfaces.
“Our work provides a clearer view of how earthquakes operate,” said Matěj Peč, a co-author and geophysicist at MIT. He added that this research could help improve existing earthquake models and enhance safety measures.
To conduct the experiment, the researchers used crushed granite to mimic the Earth’s crust where earthquakes begin. They mixed it with magnetic particles, which helped track temperature changes during the tests. By applying increasing pressure, they replicated the natural conditions leading to earthquakes.
Daniel Ortega-Arroyo, the lead author, noted that the rocks “remember” their deformation history. This memory affects their material properties and influences how they will slip during an earthquake.
The team believes their lab quakes reflect real earthquake physics fairly well, despite the complexities of the natural world. This research could provide valuable insights, helping scientists pinpoint areas most at risk for earthquakes. “We can’t fully replicate Earth’s complexity, but we can isolate key physical processes,” Peč remarked. “Understanding these processes may help us connect them with what happens in nature.”
As awareness of earthquake risks grows, this kind of research becomes increasingly crucial. According to the US Geological Survey, about 10 million earthquakes occur globally every year. With better models and understanding, we can work toward more effective preparation and safer communities.
For further insights, check out more details on how geophysics can inform urban planning in earthquake-prone areas through this USGS resource.
Source link
Earthquakes,Geology,seismology
