Attività sismica in un pianeta che si riscalda
In the intricate dance of our planet, the forces of nature often intertwine in ways that are both fascinating and concerning. This article explores the connections between earthquakes, climate change, and human activities, shedding light on a complex web that spans across continents.
Did you know that the simple passage of tides can cause tremors in the Earth's crust due to the gravitational pull of the moon? This is just one example of the many ways our planet's geology is influenced by celestial forces.
However, it's not just the moon that shapes our world. For the Maori of New Zealand, Ruaumoko is the god of earthquakes and volcanoes. Indigenous peoples across the globe, including those on the west coast of the continental United States, have rich oral histories about earthquakes, such as the Hoh and Quileute people who tell of a battle between thunderbird and whale causing earthquakes.
But the connection between earthquakes and human activities is becoming increasingly apparent. For instance, glacier melt due to global warming can cause shifts in subsurface magma and changes in stress on Earth's crust, leading to an increase in volcanic activity and earthquakes. Similarly, the rapid decline in freshwater availability due to groundwater extraction can impact stress loads on the Earth's crust, leading to seismic activity on the San Andreas Fault in California.
The extraction of fossil fuels, and fracking specifically, drive climate change on planet Earth. The process of hydraulic fracturing releases methane into the atmosphere, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Moreover, there is a direct correlation between increased earthquakes and fracking. The United States Geological Survey admits that there is an increase in earthquakes in regions where hydraulic fracturing is widespread, primarily caused by the disposal of waste fluids.
The term for earthquakes caused by glacier melt is glacial earthquakes, which typically peak in the summer months in places like Greenland. Interestingly, vast storms like hurricanes and other events brought on by climate change can also lead to an increase in seismic activity and thereby cause more earthquakes.
One of the most significant historical examples of this interconnectedness is the major earthquake that occurred on the night of January 26, 1700, along the Juan de Fuca plate. This earthquake, scoring a 9 on the Richter scale, caused the west coast to instantly and permanently plummet over six and a half feet. The tsunami caused by it flooded the ground more than 1,000 feet inland. Indigenous Nations along the coast, including the Yurok people, made note of this earthquake, taking refuge on hills and performing rituals during the event.
Modern geology has confirmed the accounts of this 1700 Cascadia earthquake preserved by indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest coast of the continental United States, notably the Coastal Salish and others. This underscores the importance of indigenous knowledge in understanding our planet's past and present.
However, understanding the connection between human activities and earthquakes remains a challenge. The inability to grasp this connection prevents humanity from facing the challenges of climate change head-on. It is a reminder that our actions have far-reaching consequences, and it is crucial that we tread lightly on this delicate planet we call home.
In the end, earthquakes are defined as sudden shaking of the ground caused by the passage of seismic waves through Earth's rocks. They serve as a stark reminder of the powerful forces at play beneath our feet, forces that are increasingly influenced by the actions of humanity. As we move forward, it is imperative that we strive to understand these connections and work towards a more sustainable future.
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