How often does Mexico have earthquakes?
Earthquakes are a natural phenomenon that occurs all over the world, and Mexico is no exception. Are earthquakes common in Mexico? Indeed, Mexico experiences very strong earthquakes with far-reaching consequences.
Earthquakes greater than magnitude 8 destroy numerous homes within a radius of several hundred kilometers and cause great damage and devastation. However, earthquakes of this magnitude occur relatively infrequently.
Why does Mexico have so many earthquakes?
Mexico is located in a seismically active region, primarily due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. This area is notorious for its tectonic plate boundaries, where multiple plates interact, resulting in frequent seismic activity.
When discussing the frequency of earthquakes, understanding the concept of magnitude is crucial.
Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of an earthquake. Mexico experiences earthquakes of varying magnitudes, from minor tremors to more significant events. This diversity contributes to the overall frequency of seismic activity.
To understand the frequency of earthquakes in Mexico, let’s look at some statistics. On average, Mexico experiences thousands of earthquakes each year. However, most of these are low magnitude and often go unnoticed by the population.
The frequency of earthquakes in Mexico is closely related to its geological location. Public awareness and education are key components in mitigating the impact of these natural phenomena on communities across the country.
How many earthquakes does Mexico experience per year?
Mexico experiences 40-50 earthquakes per year, mostly below magnitude 5.
Most earthquakes in Mexico occur along the boundaries of the Cocos Plate, which is subducting beneath the North American Plate. The subduction zone is located off the southwest coast of Mexico, particularly near Guerrero and Oaxaca.
These earthquakes are felt in the central parts of the country, including Mexico City. The geological and topographic conditions in central Mexico, where the capital is located, are conducive to the propagation of seismic waves.
Mexico City, like many other urban areas in Mexico located in seismically active regions, experiences a certain number of earthquakes each year. The frequency can vary, and not all earthquakes are noticeable or significant.
The biggest earthquakes in Mexico history
Mexico has had significant seismic events in its history, such as the devastating 1985 Mexico City earthquake. Analysis of these past events sheds light on the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity.
Several factors contribute to the frequency of earthquakes in Mexico.
Subduction zones, where one tectonic plate slides beneath another, are common in the region. Additionally, complex interactions between the Cocos Plate and the North American Plate play a critical role in the observed seismic activity.
21 century:
- 22.09.2022 – Michoacán – 6.8 Mw
- 19.09.2022 – Michoacán – 7.6 Mw
- 21.06.2022 – Jalisco – 2.4 Mw
- 03.03.2022 – Veracruz – 5.7 Mw
- 07.09.2021 – Guerrero – 7.0 Mw
- 23.06.2020 – Oaxaca – 7.4 Mw
- 16.02.2018 – Oaxaca – 7.2 Mw
- 23.09.2017 – Oaxaca – 6.1 Mw
- 19.09.2017 – Mexico City, Morelos, Puebla – 7.1 Mw
- 07.09.2017 – Chiapas, Oaxaca – 8.2 Mw
- 23.11.2015 – Guerrero – 5.5 Mw
- 07.07.2014 – Chiapas – 6.9 Mw
- 08.05.2014 – Guerrero – 6.6 Mw
- 18.04.2014 – Guerrero – 7.2 Mw
- 20.03.2012 – Guerrero, Oaxaca – 7.4 Mw
- 10.12.2011 – Guerrero – 6.5 Mw
- 05.05.2011 – Guerrero – 5.7 Mw
- 30.06.2010 – Oaxaca – 6.2 Mw
- 04.04.2010 – Baja California – 7.2 Mw
- 27.04.2009 – Guerrero – 5.8 Mw
- 22.01.2003 – Colima – 7.5 Mw
20 century:
- 29.12.1999 – Guerrero – 5.9 Mw
- 30.09.1999 – Oaxaca – 7.4 Mw
- 15.06.1999 – Puebla – 7.0 Mw
- 11.01.1997 – Michoacán – 7.2 Mw
- 21.10.1995 – Chiapas – 7.1 Mw
- 09.10.1995 – Colima, Jalisco – 8.0 Mw
- 14.09.1995 – Guerrero – 7.4 Mw
- 25.04.1989 – Guerrero – 6.9 Mw
- 19.09.1985 – Michoacán, Mexico City – 8.0 Mw
- 25.10.1981 – Michoacán – 7.2 Mw
- 24.10.1980 – Oaxaca – 7.2 Mw
- 15.10.1979 – Baja California – 6.4 Mw
- 14.03.1979 – Guerrero – 7.6 Mw
- 28.08.1973 – Puebla, Veracruz – 7.1 ML
- 30.01.1973 – Colima – 7.5 Ms
- 02.08.1968 – Guerrero, Oaxaca – 7.3
- 23.08.1965 – Oaxaca – 7.5 Mw
- 06.07.1964 – Guerrero – 7.4 Ms
- 26.08.1959 – Veracruz – 6.4 Mw
- 28.07.1957 – Guerrero, Mexico City – 7.9 Ms
- 15.04.1941 – Colima – 7.6 Mw
- 26.07.1937 – Puebla, Veracruz – 7.3 Ms
- 22.06.1932 – Colima – 7.0 Mw
- 18.06.1932 – Colima – 7.8 Mw
- 03.06.1932 – Jalisco – 8.1 Mw
- 15.01.1931 – Oaxaca – 7.8 Mw
- 03.01.1920 – Puebla, Veracruz – 6.4 Ms
- 19.11.1912 – State of Mexico – 7.0
- 16.12.1911 – Guerrero – 7.6
- 07.06.1911 – Michoacán – 7.6
- 30.07.1909 – Guerrero – 7.6
- 15.04.1907 – Guerrero – 7.7
- 20.01.1900 – Colima – 7.4
19 century:
- 24.01.1899 – Guerrero – 7.5
- 05.06.1897 – Oaxaca – 7.4
- 02.11.1894 – Guerrero, Oaxaca – 7.4
- 24.02.1892 – Baja California – 7.1–7.2
- 02.12.1890 – Guerrero, Oaxaca – 7.3
- 06.09.1889 – Guerrero – 7.1
- 29.05.1887 – Guerrero – 7.3
- 03.05.1887 – Sonora – 7.6 Mw
- 19.07.1882 – Guerrero, Oaxaca – 7.5
- 17.05.1879 – Puebla – 7.1
- 09.03.1875 – Colima, Jalisco – 7.4
- 11.02.1875 – Jalisco – 7.5
- 16.03.1874 – Guerrero – 7.3
- 27.03.1872 – Oaxaca – 7.4
- 11.05.1870 – Oaxaca – 7.8
- 03.10.1864 – Puebla, Veracruz – 7.3
- 19.06.1858 – Michoacán – 7.5
- 05.05.1854 – Oaxaca – 7.7
- 04.12.1852 – Acapulco – 7.8
- 07.04.1845 – Guerrero – 7.9 Ms
- 29.11.1852 – Baja California – 6.5 MLa
- 09.03.1845 – Oaxaca – 7.5
- 22.11.1837 – Jalisco – 7.7
- 06.01.1835 – State of Mexico –
- 04.05.1820 – Guerrero – 7.6
- 31.05.1818 – Colima, Michoacán – 7.7
- 25.03.1806 – Colima, Michoacán – 7.5 Ms
- 08.03.1800 – Central, Eastern, and Southeastern –
18 century:
- 28.03.1787 – Guerrero, Oaxaca, Mexico City – 8.6 Mw
Twin earthquakes in Mexico City
There are two major earthquakes in the collective memory of Mexicans: one in 1985 and one in 2017. At 13:19 on September 19, 1985, Mexico woke up to the most destructive earthquake in its modern history.
September 19, 1985 – Mexico City earthquake
On September 19, 1985, at 7:17, Mexico was struck by a devastating earthquake that left an indelible mark on the country’s history. The magnitude 8.1 seismic event struck central Mexico, including Mexico City.
Thousands were killed and buildings and infrastructure were damaged.
The magnitude of the earthquake contributed to its destructiveness, collapsing buildings and causing widespread panic. The aftermath prompted a review of building codes and disaster preparedness measures in Mexico.
The aftermath of the 1985 earthquake prompted an outpouring of national and international support. The recovery efforts were challenging, but they resulted in improved infrastructure and disaster response mechanisms.
September 19, 2017 – Mexico City earthquake
Exactly 32 years later, on September 19, 2017, at 13:14, another powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.1 struck Mexico. This time, the earthquake hit the central Mexican states of Puebla, Morelos, and Mexico City.
This earthquake occurred just two hours after the annual national earthquake preparation, the “Mega Simulacro” (Mega Drill), and tragically, the new earthquake occurred on the same day as the 1985 earthquake.
Once again, just like 32 years ago, buildings collapsed and people died tragically.
September 19, 2022 – Mexico earthquake
The earthquakes that struck Mexico City on September 19, 1985, and September 19, 2017, were significant in the country’s history. On September 22, 2022, Mexico was hit by another significant earthquake.
A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck western Mexico on the anniversary of two devastating earthquakes in 1985 and 2017. The quake struck shortly after 13:00 local time near the border of Michoacan with the state of Colima.
This earthquake was relatively shallow, only 15 km deep, which amplified its impact and led to a tsunami warning being issued. However, no major damage was reported in Mexico City following the quake.
The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) said there was no scientific explanation for three major earthquakes occurring on the same day, blaming it on pure coincidence.
Earthquake safety measures in Mexico
Given the seismic nature of the region, Mexico has invested in earthquake monitoring systems. Organizations such as the National Seismological Service play an important role in tracking seismic events and providing early warnings.
This proactive approach is vital to public safety and disaster preparedness.
Read more: Public awareness and education about earthquakes in Mexico
Raising public awareness about earthquake preparedness is important. Education programs and drills help communities understand the risks and learn how to respond during an earthquake.
Mega Simulacro (Mega Drill)
Mexico typically holds an annual earthquake drill, known as the “Mega Simulacro” (Mega Drill), on September 19. This date is significant because it marks the anniversary of the earthquake that struck Mexico City in 1985.
Every year at 11:00, the government conducts a national earthquake drill using public loudspeakers located throughout Mexico City to raise awareness and prepare for seismic events.
Mega Simulacro is a nationwide seismic awareness drill that includes practicing evacuation procedures, testing communication systems, and participating in other activities to increase earthquake preparedness.
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