Key Takeaways
- A 3.3-magnitude earthquake occurred in north-west England, specifically off the coast of Silverdale, Lancashire.
- The quake was felt across Lancashire and the southern Lake District, including the towns of Kendal and Ulverston.
- Residents reported the quake felt like an underground explosion, with some experiencing powerful shaking that shook their entire house.
- The British Geological Survey (BGS) detects between 200 and 300 earthquakes in the UK each year, but only about 20 to 30 are strong enough to be felt.
- The earthquake was relatively small, with most reports detailing "light" or "weak" shaking, and no significant damage was reported.
Introduction to the Earthquake
A 3.3-magnitude earthquake shook homes in north-west England late on Wednesday, according to the British Geological Survey (BGS). The quake struck shortly after 11:23 pm and was felt across Lancashire and the southern Lake District, including the towns of Kendal and Ulverston, which are within 12 miles of the epicentre. The earthquake occurred just off the coast of Silverdale, Lancashire, at a depth of 1.86 miles. This relatively small earthquake was still significant enough to be felt by residents in the area, who reported a range of experiences.
Resident Reports and Earthquake Intensity
Residents who felt the earthquake reported that it "felt like an underground explosion" and was "so powerful it shook the whole house". These reports were collected by the BGS, which also received over 1,100 reports from people who were in the area at the time. The Volcano Discovery website, which also collects information on earthquakes, received a similar number of reports. Most of these reports detailed "light" or "weak" shaking, indicating that while the earthquake was felt, it was not particularly intense. The fact that the earthquake was felt by so many people, despite being relatively small, highlights the sensitivity of the human perception of seismic activity.
Earthquake Frequency and Detection
The BGS detects between 200 and 300 earthquakes in the UK each year, but only about 20 to 30 are strong enough to be felt. This means that the vast majority of earthquakes that occur in the UK go unnoticed, recorded only by sensitive instruments. The BGS uses a range of techniques to detect and measure earthquakes, including seismometers and accelerometers. These instruments are sensitive enough to detect even very small earthquakes, but most of these events are not felt by people. The fact that the BGS is able to detect so many earthquakes highlights the complexity and activity of the Earth’s crust, even in areas that are not typically associated with significant seismic activity.
Comparison to Other Recent Earthquakes
The most recent earthquake measuring more than 3.3 magnitude was felt in parts of Perth and Kinross on 20 October. The BGS reported that the quake struck at 7:25 am with its epicentre in Pubil, in the Glen Lyon region. This earthquake was similar in magnitude to the one that occurred in north-west England, but it is not clear if it was felt by as many people. The BGS provides information on all earthquakes that occur in the UK, including their location, magnitude, and intensity. This information is used to help understand the seismic activity of the UK and to provide warnings and advice to the public in the event of a significant earthquake.
Conclusion and Implications
In conclusion, the 3.3-magnitude earthquake that occurred in north-west England was a significant event, despite being relatively small. The fact that it was felt by so many people highlights the sensitivity of the human perception of seismic activity, and the importance of the BGS’s work in detecting and measuring earthquakes. The earthquake also highlights the complexity and activity of the Earth’s crust, even in areas that are not typically associated with significant seismic activity. While the earthquake did not cause any significant damage, it serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for seismic events and of the need for ongoing monitoring and research into the Earth’s crust.
