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NDTV
9 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Earthquake Of Magnitude 5.1 Hits Iran, Sparks Theories Of Nuclear Testing
On Friday, June 20th, a powerful earthquake of 5.1 magnitude struck northern Iran's Semnan area. According to Tasnim News Agency, the earthquake happened 27 kilometres southwest of Semnan. The quake struck at a depth of 10 kilometres. However, the earthquake has now triggered a wave of speculations about whether Tehran has tested a nuclear weapon. It has also sparked concern because it struck near a city with a space and missile complex. The Semnan Space Center and the Semnan Missile Complex, run by Iran's military, are said to be located there. The earthquake comes amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, as they enter the ninth day of the escalating war. Iran and Israel exchanged fresh attacks early on Saturday, a day after Tehran said it would not negotiate over its nuclear programme while under threat and Europe tried to keep peace talks alive. Iran's news agency IRNA said that there were no casualties and only "minimal damage". The conflict-ridden country is one of the most seismically active countries in the world because of its position along the Alpine-Himalayan seismic belt where the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates converge. Iran typically receives 2,100 earthquakes a year, of which 15 to 16 are of magnitude 5.0 or higher. Between 2006 and 2015, the country experienced 96,000 earthquakes. Underground explosions during nuclear activities can trigger earthquakes by releasing tectonic stress near the blast. However, seismologists can distinguish between explosions and natural earthquakes by studying the seismic waves. Seismic data suggests that the earthquake was a natural event. According to India Today, expert analysis by US Geological Survey (USGS) and Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) and independent seismologists dismiss speculation about nuclear tests or military induced earthquakes.
India Today
10 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
Twin quakes shake Iran amid Israel conflict. Is there link to nuclear activities?
Iran has been hit by two back-to-back earthquakes even as tension between the Islamic nation and Israel remains at its peak. An earthquake of 5.1 magnitude struck northern Iran on Friday at 9.19 pm local time. This happened only five days after a 2.5 magnitude quake was reported near Fordo after Israeli quake happened approximately 36 km southwest of Semnan at a depth of 10 km, with tremors felt in Tehran and other nearby regions. The timing of these quakes and recent satellite imagery showing damage at Iran's nuclear sites in Natanz and Fordo amid Israel's fierce attacks, have fuelled speculation regarding a potential AND ITS SEISMOLOGIC HISTORYIran is highly active seismically due to its position on the Alpine-Himalayan seismic belt, and thus, experiences frequent earthquakes, with over 2,000 annually, including 15 to 16 of magnitude 5.0 or higher. A long-term analysis of a decade between 2006 and 2015, showed 96,000 earthquakes were recorded in the country during the period. The ongoing conflict with Israel, which started on June 13, involves Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure, including sites such as Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordo, alongside Tehran's missile retaliations. The quake's shallow depth of 10 km and proximity to Semnan's space and missile complex sparked speculation, but seismic data suggests it was a natural ON NATURAL, NUCLEAR-INDUCTED QUAKES Nuclear activities, particularly underground nuclear explosions, can induce earthquakes by releasing tectonic stress near the blast. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), such explosions can trigger seismic events, but these are typically much smaller in magnitude than the explosion itself and are limited to a range of a few tens of kilometres from the blast site. The quakes are generally less intense and have fewer aftershocks than natural can distinguish these events by analysing wave patterns, with nuclear explosions producing mainly P-waves. Natural earthquakes generate both P and S-waves. Also, the seismic waves generated by nuclear explosions differ from those of natural Berkeley Seismology Lab explains that nuclear test seismograms are dominated by compressional P-waves, while natural earthquakes generate strong shear S-waves as well. This distinction allows seismologists to differentiate between the two, using methods such as moment tensor solutions, as described by the National Geographic, which trace waves back to their origin to identify the mechanism of the earthquakes with a 2.5-magnitude event near Fordo on June 15, coincided with military actions, but expert analysis, including those from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), confirmed they align with natural QUAKE THEORY IN INDO-PAK CONFLICTDuring India-Pakistan's four-day conflict in May, similar tremors were felt in Pakistan. Even then, a theory of atomic activity surfaced but was debunked by India Today after analysing the facts logically based on seismographic evidence and these scientific explanations in mind, it can be conclusively said that while nuclear activities, especially explosions, can cause small, localised earthquakes, the latest seismic events in Iran near nuclear facilities are consistent with natural tectonic activity, given the region's high seismic analysis, including from CTBTO, USGS, and independent seismologists, supports this conclusion, dismissing speculation about nuclear tests or military-induced quakes. The evidence leans toward natural causes, but ongoing monitoring and further research are essential, especially in conflict zones where speculation runs faster than the earthquake InMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Israel#Iran
Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Iran earthquake: A 5.2 magnitude earthquake hits Semnan, Iran, amid rising tensions with Israel
A powerful earthquake shook Semnan in northern Iran early Friday, rattling a region already fraught with tensions. The shallow, 5.2-magnitude earthquake sparked concern because it struck near a city with a space and missile complex. The area remains volatile, both geologically and politically. The shallow 10 km-deep earthquake sparked concern, but there were no immediate reports of damage and casualties as of now. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like She Was Everyone's Dream Girl In 90's, This Is Her Recently. Investructor Undo About 35 kilometers southwest of Semnan, close to Tehran, the earthquake occurred in central Iran. At 7:49 UTC, the region was shaken by the earthquake, as per a report. Tensions are already high at the time of the earthquake because of Iran's ongoing conflict with Israel. The Semnan Space Center and the Semnan Missile Complex, run by Iran's military, are said to be located in Semnan. Live Events ALSO READ: Iran news: Israel faces massive air defense crunch as Arrow interceptors run low and US stockpiles dwindle Is this area prone to earthquakes? Iran is one of the most earthquake-prone nations in the world, situated on the geologically active Alpine-Himalayan seismic belt. Seismic events are common due to its complex tectonic setting, and over the years, many of them have resulted in significant destruction and fatalities. Iran typically receives 2,100 earthquakes a year, of which 15 to 16 are of magnitude 5.0 or higher. On June 20, representatives of Israel and Iran engaged in a face-off at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) amid rising tensions between the two countries. FAQs How strong was the Semnan earthquake ? It was a 5.2 magnitude quake located approximately 35 kilometers southwest of Semnan. Was there any damage? No immediate reports of damage or casualties have been received.
Shafaq News
25-02-2025
- Climate
- Shafaq News
Iraq is safe from potential earthquake in Iran, experts say
Shafaq News/ Iraq's Meteorological and Seismological Authority has ruled out the possibility of a destructive earthquake following a series of mild tremors in the past few days, which registered a magnitude of up to 3 on the Richter scale in Diyala province. Ali Abdul Khaliq, Director of the Seismic Monitoring Department, told Shafaq News that "the recent earthquakes are natural occurrences that happen regularly, and the likelihood of strong, destructive quakes occurring in the country is very low." He added that Iraq experiences daily tremors imperceptible to the public due to the movement of tectonic plates, noting that areas such as Khanqin and Mandali in Diyala province, as well as Badra in Wasit, and Al-Tayyib in northern Maysan, are more prone to seismic activity. 'These regions are seismically active, but this is a normal occurrence and poses no threat to the area,' he explained, adding that tremors from the Iranian side also affect the region, reaching magnitudes of 4 to 4.5. Khaliq also revealed, 'a seismic code is being developed by the Iraqi government, with the Seismological Authority as a member of the committee. The code will be adopted for construction purposes by the end of this year and is the first of its kind in Iraq.' He urged relevant authorities to ensure that companies and building owners implement this seismic code to safeguard buildings from potential earthquakes. Khaliq reassured Iraqis, stating, 'The reports from Iranian authorities about a potential catastrophic earthquake in Iran do not pose a threat to Iraq.' On Monday, Iran's Crisis Management and Prevention Organization warned of the risk of a "largeearthquake" in Tehran, with the organization's head, Ali Nasiri, citing the tectonic plates in the northern part of the city as a major risk factor. Nasiri predicted that the worst-case scenario could involve a 6.7-magnitude earthquake, though he hoped it would never occur. Iran is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world due to its location on the Alpine-Himalayan seismic belt. The country regularly experiences varying degrees of seismic activity, with the most severe recent quake being a 7.7-magnitude tremor in 1990, which killed 37,000 people and injured 100,000 others.
Shafaq News
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Tehran faces 'major' earthquake threat, official warns
Shafaq News/ Tehran Disaster Mitigation and Management Organization has warned that the capital could experience a "major earthquake" with significant risks. Ali Nasiri, the head of the organization, stated that "tectonic plates in the northern part of the capital could trigger a large earthquake, and due to their proximity to vulnerable areas, they pose an even greater risk,' adding, "The worst-case scenario Tehran could face is a 6.7 magnitude earthquake.' "We hope it never happens." Notably, Iran is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world due to its position on the Alpine-Himalayan belt. The primary cause of earthquakes in the country is the pressure exerted by the Arabian plate on the Iranian plateau. The Iranian capital is located on two major fault lines. While the northern fault is more active, the deteriorating and unsafe infrastructure in the southern part of the city makes an earthquake there pose an even greater threat to Tehran's residents. History shows that, on average, a major earthquake (greater than 5.5 on the Richter scale) occurs in Tehran every 160 years. The country experiences occasional earthquakes of varying intensities, the most powerful of which was a 7.7 magnitude quake in northwestern Iran in 1990, killing 37,000 people and injuring 100,000 others.
