Magnitude 7.8 earthquake strikes Philippines, killing at least 35; seismologist says it could have been larger given subduction zone fault
By
Andrea Thompson
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Summary
A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck offshore of Mindanao, Philippines, making it the largest earthquake globally so far this year. The quake occurred at a subduction zone fault, which is capable of producing even larger earthquakes. Seismologist Lucy Jones explains that while the earthquake was powerful, it was actually on the smaller side for the type of fault it occurred at. The earthquake has killed at least 35 people and injured many others. An earthquake's size is determined by the area of the fault rupture.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledThe temblor, which has killed at least 35 individuals and injured scores of people, was actually on the smaller side for the type of fault it occurred at, seismologist Lucy Jones says.
An earthquake's size is determined by the area of the fault rupture—the larger the area, the larger the quake.
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit the Philippines happened at a subduction zone. Such places are capable of producing the largest earthquakes possible.
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