Earthquakes increase in north-western Namibia
An earthquake measuring 3.7 on the Richter Scale, and lasting 10 seconds, happened 100 kilometres north-west of Kamanjab early on Wednesday.
Although Namibia is generally not prone to earthquakes, geologists say a significant number of events have occurred in that particular area this year, worrying the local community.
As a result, a study was done to better understand the increase of tremors in that area.
A statement from the ministry of mines and energy says three seismic stations of the Namibian Seismological Network recorded the event on Wednesday at 04:51.
Preliminary calculations show that the epicentre was located 38 kilometres beneath the surface in the Kaoko Orogenic belt, which is a tectonic structure on the northern coast of Namibia.
The location is one of the known seismic zones in the country and these events are expected to occur more frequently in the area, the statement says.
The statement notes that Namibia has low seismic activity, mostly with low-intensity events.
“However, the fact that we feel these tremors should always remind us that the crust of the earth is dynamic and evolves continuously,” it says.
Tremors and earthquakes are unpredictable, it warns.
Because of the increased frequency of tremors in the Anker area of north-western Namibia, the Geological Survey of Namibia embarked on a focused research project to understand the processes causing the increase.
A network of ten temporary seismic stations was deployed in the area for three months to locate small earthquakes in the Anker area.
The results of the study have been evaluated and the final report will be released in due course, the ministry says.
JANA-MARI SMITH
Although Namibia is generally not prone to earthquakes, geologists say a significant number of events have occurred in that particular area this year, worrying the local community.
As a result, a study was done to better understand the increase of tremors in that area.
A statement from the ministry of mines and energy says three seismic stations of the Namibian Seismological Network recorded the event on Wednesday at 04:51.
Preliminary calculations show that the epicentre was located 38 kilometres beneath the surface in the Kaoko Orogenic belt, which is a tectonic structure on the northern coast of Namibia.
The location is one of the known seismic zones in the country and these events are expected to occur more frequently in the area, the statement says.
The statement notes that Namibia has low seismic activity, mostly with low-intensity events.
“However, the fact that we feel these tremors should always remind us that the crust of the earth is dynamic and evolves continuously,” it says.
Tremors and earthquakes are unpredictable, it warns.
Because of the increased frequency of tremors in the Anker area of north-western Namibia, the Geological Survey of Namibia embarked on a focused research project to understand the processes causing the increase.
A network of ten temporary seismic stations was deployed in the area for three months to locate small earthquakes in the Anker area.
The results of the study have been evaluated and the final report will be released in due course, the ministry says.
JANA-MARI SMITH
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