Earthquake aftershocks that started 200 years ago could still be shaking parts of the Earth.

Earth’s Ancient Earthquakes Still Affecting Regions Today

A study has revealed that the Earth is still feeling the effects of earthquakes that occurred over a century ago. The research indicates that these historic seismic events continue to cause minor earthquakes in the present day.

The study focused on three major earthquakes that occurred in 1663, 1811-1812, and 1886 in the United States. These earthquakes, ranging from magnitudes of 6.5 to 8, have had a lasting impact on the seismic activity in these regions.

The research team found that approximately 30% of earthquakes in the Missouri-Kentucky border region from 1980 to 2016 were likely aftershocks from the 1811-1812 earthquakes. Similarly, around 16% of present-day earthquakes in Charleston, South Carolina, were identified as probable aftershocks from the area’s 1886 earthquake.

While aftershock sequences diminish over time, the accumulation of strain in regions with background seismic activity could potentially lead to more significant earthquakes in the future. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor fault movements, background seismic activity, and aftershocks for a thorough seismic risk assessment.

The study’s results have been published in JGR Solid Earth and can be accessed here. The research highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the long-term impact of historic earthquakes to develop accurate hazard assessments for the future.