Magnitude 5.4 earthquake jolts Kashmir, tremors felt in Delhi-NCR, north India
India is a seismically active region due to its location at the boundary of the Indian tectonic plate and the Eurasian tectonic plate. The Indian plate is converging with the Eurasian plate at a rate of about 5-6 centimeters per year. This collision has resulted in the formation of the Himalayan mountain range, which is still actively growing.
The majority of earthquakes in India occur along the plate boundary in the Himalayan region, particularly in the northern states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and parts of Northeast India. These earthquakes are primarily caused by the release of accumulated strain as the two tectonic plates continue to collide. The movement along the fault lines in the region leads to frequent earthquakes, some of which can be quite severe.
Apart from the Himalayan region, other parts of India also experience earthquakes, although with lesser frequency and intensity. These earthquakes are typically associated with other tectonic features, such as faults and rift zones. For example, the western states of Gujarat and Maharashtra are located near the Narmada and Tapti rift zones, where earthquakes can occur due to the tectonic activity associated with these features.
It's important to note that earthquakes can also occur due to other factors, such as volcanic activity or human-induced causes like mining or reservoir-induced seismicity. However, these are less common in India compared to the tectonic activity along plate boundaries.
Overall, the primary reason for earthquakes in India is the ongoing tectonic collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates, particularly in the Himalayan region.
Why India North area more sensitive for earthquake:-
The northern region of India is more sensitive to earthquakes due to its geological setting and tectonic activity in the area. There are several factors that contribute to the higher seismicity of this region:
Tectonic Plate Boundaries: The northern part of India is located at the boundary of the Indian plate and the Eurasian plate. These plates are converging, which means they are moving towards each other. The collision between these plates is responsible for the formation of the Himalayan mountain range. The interaction between the plates leads to intense tectonic activity, including earthquakes.
Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) Fault: The MBT fault is a major fault line that runs along the foothills of the Himalayas. It marks the boundary between the Indian and Eurasian plates. This fault is seismically active and has been responsible for several significant earthquakes in the region.
Subduction Zones: In some areas, such as the northeastern part of India, the Indian plate is subducting beneath the Eurasian plate. Subduction zones are known for generating powerful earthquakes. The subduction of the Indian plate beneath the Eurasian plate in the northeastern region can result in large-magnitude earthquakes.
Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT) Fault: The HFT fault runs parallel to the southern edge of the Himalayas and is another active fault in the region. It is associated with the upliftment of the mountains and is responsible for seismic activity in the area.
Geologically Young and Active Mountains: The Himalayan mountain range is geologically young and still actively growing. The ongoing tectonic forces and the continuing collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates lead to the release of accumulated stress in the form of earthquakes.
Due to these factors, the northern region of India experiences a higher frequency of earthquakes compared to other parts of the country. It is essential for the region to have proper measures in place for earthquake preparedness and building structures that can withstand seismic events.
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