Friday, February 20, 2009

Chile's Chaiten volcano spews molten rock, ash

SANTIAGO-Chile's Chaiten volcano, which erupted spectacularly last year, spewed a vast cloud of ash as well as gas and molten rock on Thursday in a partial collapse of its cone. Television footage showed a cloud of ash billowing into the sky over the town of Chaiten, which lies about six miles from the crater.Authorities evacuated 160 people from the area. Around 7,000 nearby residents were evacuated last year after the volcano, dormant for thousands of years, erupted. The government is planning to relocate the town.Officials from Chile's national emergency office, Onemi, flew over the volcano and saw a kilometer-long crack in the cone of ash that has steadily grown in the crater, part of which has collapsed."Large quantities of gases and pyroclastic material were observed," Onemi said in a statement, adding that rains in the area combined with the ash could cause flooding in and around the town of Chaiten, located 760 miles south of the capital Santiago.However, while there was a large volume of ash, there had been none of the earth tremors or groaning sounds that accompanied the initial eruption last year, it said."This is more proof of the imminent risk in the area. It is a time-bomb," said Deputy Interior Minister Patricio Rosende said.The government insists on moving the entire town, but some residents are resisting the plan."I looked up and saw a tremendous column (of ash), just like in the beginning, one-and-a-half kilometers high," Claudio Chelgui, a resident who decide to return to Chaiten despite government warnings, told local radio."I didn't see much because it was overcast, and there was this huge column and fierce sound."Emergency officials are exasperated."We have repeatedly said that there is a red alert and that people should not be there, and if that had been respected, then police would not be evacuating people," an Onemi official said, asking not to be named.He said the volcano has been in a permanent state of eruption since May last year, when a cloud of debris soared as high as 20 miles into the air. The cloud was kept aloft for weeks by the pressure of constant eruptions, covering towns in neighboring Argentina with volcanic ash.
Chile's chain of volcanoes, the second-largest in the world after Indonesia, includes some 2,000, and 500 of those are potentially active.
(Writing by Simon Gardner, editing by Anthony Boadle)
By Monica Vargas

As in the days of Noah...

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

3rd Earthquake In As Many Weeks Rattles New Jersey

MORRISTOWN, N.J.-For the third time in three weeks, a small earthquake has rattled an area of north-central New Jersey. No damage or injuries were reported from the 2.3 magnitude quake, which was recorded shortly before 1:42 a.m. Wednesday. Scott DiGiralomo, a coordinator with the county's office of emergency management, says the epicenter was just over a mile outside Dover. It was felt mostly by people in Denville and Randolph.The quake is the third to hit Morris County since Feb. 2. A 3.0 magnitude earthquake rattled windows and alarmed residents on Feb. 2. That quake was centered in Rockaway, Dover and Morris Plains. A 2.2 magnitude quake on Valentine's Day shook residents in Boonton and neighboring Montville.
To watch the videos click on the URL below:

As in the days of Noah...

Monday, February 16, 2009

OFF COAST OF CENTRAL AMERICA QUAKES

4.6 Mb - OFF COAST OF CENTRAL AMERICA
Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude
4.6 Mb
Date-Time
14 Feb 2009 12:33:41 UTC
14 Feb 2009 06:33:41 near epicenter
14 Feb 2009 06:33:41 standard time in your timezone
Location
12.871N 88.852W
Depth
53 km
Distances
69 km (43 miles) SW (221 degrees) of Usulután, Usulután, El Salvador
71 km (44 miles) S (178 degrees) of Zacatecoluca, La Paz, El Salvador
86 km (53 miles) S (184 degrees) of San Vicente, San Vicente, El Salvador
95 km (59 miles) SSE (159 degrees) of SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 15.2 km; Vertical
Parameters
Nph = 56; Dmin = 999.9 km; Rmss = 1.06 seconds; Gp = 194°M-type = Mb; Version = 7
Event ID
US 2009dbav
4.6 Mb - OFF COAST OF CENTRAL AMERICA
Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude
4.6 Mb
Date-Time
7 Feb 2009 09:39:58 UTC
7 Feb 2009 03:39:58 near epicenter
7 Feb 2009 03:39:58 standard time in your timezone
Location
12.166N 89.138W
Depth
63 km
Distances
151 km (94 miles) SSW (210 degrees) of Usulután, Usulután, El Salvador
152 km (94 miles) S (191 degrees) of Zacatecoluca, La Paz, El Salvador
166 km (103 miles) S (178 degrees) of San Marcos, San Salvador, El Salvador
167 km (104 miles) S (179 degrees) of SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 24.4 km; Vertical
Parameters
Nph = 24; Dmin = 291.0 km; Rmss = 0.97 seconds; Gp = 234°M-type = Mb; Version = 7
Event ID
US 2009cuan
4.8 Mb - OFF COAST OF CENTRAL AMERICA
Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude
4.8 Mb
Date-Time
2 Feb 2009 04:12:54 UTC
1 Feb 2009 22:12:54 near epicenter
1 Feb 2009 22:12:54 standard time in your timezone
Location
12.792N 89.591W
Depth
23 km
Distances
104 km (65 miles) S (172 degrees) of Sonsonate, Sonsonate, El Salvador
104 km (65 miles) SSW (198 degrees) of Nueva San Salvador, La Libertad, El Salvador
106 km (66 miles) SSW (202 degrees) of Antiguo Cuscatlán, La Libertad, El Salvador
108 km (67 miles) SSW (205 degrees) of SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 17.4 km; Vertical 6.3 km
Parameters
Nph = 37; Dmin = 287.2 km; Rmss = 0.92 seconds; Gp = 154°M-type = Mb; Version = 6
Event ID
US 2009cpaj
4.7 Mb - OFF COAST OF CENTRAL AMERICA
Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude
4.7 Mb
Date-Time
20 Jan 2009 15:03:40 UTC
20 Jan 2009 09:03:40 near epicenter
20 Jan 2009 09:03:40 standard time in your timezone
Location
12.176N 88.576W
Depth
71 km
Distances
130 km (81 miles) S (187 degrees) of Usulután, Usulután, El Salvador
150 km (93 miles) SSW (197 degrees) of San Miguel, San Miguel, El Salvador
152 km (94 miles) SSE (167 degrees) of Zacatecoluca, La Paz, El Salvador
178 km (110 miles) SSE (159 degrees) of SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 39.6 km; Vertical 33.2 km
Parameters
Nph = 14; Dmin = 251.6 km; Rmss = 1.12 seconds; Gp = 212°M-type = Mb; Version = Q
Event ID
US 2009cba9
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: Event Page or U.S.G.S. Earthquake Hazards Program
National Earthquake Information CenterU.S. Geological Survey


As in the days of Noah...

MONA PASSAGE QUAKES

4.8 Mcd - MONA PASSAGE
Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude
4.8 Mcd
Date-Time
14 Feb 2009 07:48:38 UTC
14 Feb 2009 03:48:38 near epicenter
14 Feb 2009 01:48:38 standard time in your timezone
Location
18.674N 68.919W
Depth
121 km
Distances
17 km (10 miles) SE (130 degrees) of El Seybo, El Seybo, Dominican Republic
23 km (14 miles) WNW (285 degrees) of Higüey, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic
28 km (17 miles) N (11 degrees) of La Romana, La Romana, Dominican Republic
110 km (69 miles) E (80 degrees) of SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 3.1 km; Vertical 1.7 km
Parameters
Nph = 31; Dmin = 50.3 km; Rmss = 0.28 seconds; Gp = 158°M-type = Mcd; Version = 1
Event ID
PR p0904504 ***This event supersedes event US2009dbak.
5.1 Mb - MONA PASSAGE
Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude
5.1 Mb
Date-Time
14 Feb 2009 07:48:38 UTC
14 Feb 2009 03:48:38 near epicenter
14 Feb 2009 01:48:38 standard time in your timezone
Location
18.509N 68.953W
Depth
117 km
Distances
9 km (6 miles) NNE (12 degrees) of La Romana, La Romana, Dominican Republic
28 km (18 miles) WSW (244 degrees) of Higüey, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic
30 km (19 miles) SSE (162 degrees) of El Seybo, El Seybo, Dominican Republic
105 km (65 miles) E (89 degrees) of SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 4.6 km; Vertical 4.1 km
Parameters
Nph = 157; Dmin = 191.8 km; Rmss = 0.68 seconds; Gp = 46°M-type = Mb; Version = 7
Event ID
US 2009dbak ***This event supersedes event AT00459771.

3.8 Mcd - MONA PASSAGE
Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude
3.8 Mcd
Date-Time
12 Jan 2009 20:59:44 UTC
12 Jan 2009 16:59:44 near epicenter
12 Jan 2009 14:59:44 standard time in your timezone
Location
18.568N 68.983W
Depth
117 km
Distances
15 km (10 miles) N (355 degrees) of La Romana, La Romana, Dominican Republic
23 km (14 miles) SSE (165 degrees) of El Seybo, El Seybo, Dominican Republic
29 km (18 miles) W (259 degrees) of Higüey, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic
102 km (64 miles) E (86 degrees) of SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 2.7 km; Vertical 2.0 km
Parameters
Nph = 27; Dmin = 75.1 km; Rmss = 0.26 seconds; Gp = 169°M-type = Mcd; Version = 1
Event ID
PR p0901205 ***This event supersedes event AT00179398.
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: Event Page or U.S.G.S. Earthquake Hazards Program
Puerto Rico Seismic NetworkUniversity of Puerto Rico


As in the days of Noah...

3.9 Ml - ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS.

3.9 Ml - ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS.
Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude
3.9 Ml
Date-Time
11 Feb 2009 09:33:13 UTC
10 Feb 2009 23:33:13 near epicenter
11 Feb 2009 03:33:13 standard time in your timezone
Location
51.526N 174.541W
Depth
5 km
Distances
78 km (49 miles) SSW (197 degrees) of Atka, AK
150 km (93 miles) ESE (105 degrees) of Adak, AK
417 km (259 miles) WSW (250 degrees) of Nikolski, AK
1849 km (1149 miles) WSW (246 degrees) of Anchorage, AK
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: ; Vertical
Parameters
Nph = 12; Dmin = 78.9 km; Rmss = ; Gp = 309°M-type = Ml; Version = 2
Event ID
AK 00091390
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: Event Page or U.S.G.S. Earthquake Hazards Program
Alaska Earthquake Information CenterGeophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks

As in the days of Noah...

5.1 Mb - EASTER ISLAND REGION

5.1 Mb - EASTER ISLAND REGION
Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude
5.1 Mb
Date-Time
8 Feb 2009 06:34:32 UTC
7 Feb 2009 23:34:32 near epicenter
8 Feb 2009 00:34:32 standard time in your timezone
Location
29.611S 111.871W
Depth
10 km
Distances
363 km (226 miles) SW (220 degrees) of Hanga Roa, Easter Island
1866 km (1160 miles) ESE (110 degrees) of ADAMSTOWN, Pitcairn Islands
3673 km (2282 miles) W (271 degrees) of Concepcion, Chile
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 13.3 km; Vertical
Parameters
Nph = 87; Dmin = 999.9 km; Rmss = 0.96 seconds; Gp = 75°M-type = Mb; Version = 6
Event ID
US 2009cvak
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: Event Page or U.S.G.S. Earthquake Hazards Program
National Earthquake Information CenterU.S. Geological Survey

As in the days of Noah...

4.8 Mb - SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION

4.8 Mb - SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION
Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude
4.8 Mb
Date-Time
23 Jan 2009 08:26:00 UTC
23 Jan 2009 06:26:00 near epicenter
23 Jan 2009 02:26:00 standard time in your timezone
Location
57.083S 25.148W
Depth
10 km
Distances
134 km (83 miles) ESE (109 degrees) of Visokoi Island, South Sandwich Islands
227 km (141 miles) NNE (21 degrees) of Bristol Island, South Sandwich Islands
2177 km (1353 miles) ESE (119 degrees) of STANLEY, Falkland Islands
2887 km (1794 miles) ESE (117 degrees) of Punta Arenas, Chile
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 11.5 km; Vertical
Parameters
Nph = 49; Dmin = 999.9 km; Rmss = 0.77 seconds; Gp = 86°M-type = Mb; Version = Q
Event ID
US 2009ceam
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: Event Page or U.S.G.S. Earthquake Hazards Program
National Earthquake Information CenterU.S. Geological Survey

As in the days of Noah...

4.9 Mb - REYKJANES RIDGE

4.9 Mb - REYKJANES RIDGE
Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude
4.9 Mb
Date-Time
22 Jan 2009 14:34:29 UTC
22 Jan 2009 12:34:29 near epicenter
22 Jan 2009 08:34:29 standard time in your timezone
Location
53.204N 35.011W
Depth
10 km
Distances
1426 km (886 miles) SW (218 degrees) of REYKJAVIK, Iceland
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 17.7 km; Vertical
Parameters
Nph = 48; Dmin = 999.9 km; Rmss = 1.11 seconds; Gp = 151°M-type = Mb; Version = 7
Event ID
US 2009cdbq
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: Event Page or U.S.G.S. Earthquake Hazards Program
National Earthquake Information CenterU.S. Geological Survey

As in the days of Noah...

NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE QUAKES

5.2 Mb - NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude
5.2 Mb
Date-Time
16 Jan 2009 22:14:00 UTC
16 Jan 2009 19:14:00 near epicenter
16 Jan 2009 16:14:00 standard time in your timezone
Location
14.518N 45.111W
Depth
10 km
Distances
1326 km (824 miles) NE (36 degrees) of CAYENNE, French Guiana
1466 km (911 miles) NE (48 degrees) of PARAMARIBO, Suriname
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 12.4 km; Vertical
Parameters
Nph = 90; Dmin = 999.9 km; Rmss = 0.94 seconds; Gp = 46°M-type = Mb; Version = 6
Event ID
US 2009bxci
4.6 Mb - NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude
4.6 Mb
Date-Time
14 Jan 2009 21:22:39 UTC
14 Jan 2009 18:22:39 near epicenter
14 Jan 2009 15:22:39 standard time in your timezone
Location
26.369N 44.578W
Depth
10 km
Distances
2054 km (1276 miles) ENE (57 degrees) of SAINT JOHN'S, Antigua
2153 km (1338 miles) NE (45 degrees) of BRIDGETOWN, Barbados
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 9.2 km; Vertical
Parameters
Nph = 43; Dmin = 999.9 km; Rmss = 0.71 seconds; Gp = 90°M-type = Mb; Version = 7
Event ID
US 2009bvcj
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: Event Page or U.S.G.S. Earthquake Hazards Program
National Earthquake Information CenterU.S. Geological Survey


As in the days of Noah...

6.0 Mw - MID-INDIAN RIDGE

6.0 Mw - MID-INDIAN RIDGE
Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude
6.0 Mw
Date-Time
13 Jan 2009 01:04:42 UTC
13 Jan 2009 05:04:42 near epicenter
12 Jan 2009 19:04:42 standard time in your timezone
Location
13.194S 66.060E
Depth
10 km
Distances
1196 km (743 miles) NE (51 degrees) of PORT LOUIS, Mauritius
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 10.5 km; Vertical
Parameters
Nph = 157; Dmin = 948.0 km; Rmss = 1.25 seconds; Gp = 68°M-type = Mw; Version = 7
Event ID
US 2009buad ***This event has been revised.
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: Event Page or U.S.G.S. Earthquake Hazards Program
National Earthquake Information CenterU.S. Geological Survey

As in the days of Noah...

LAKE VICTORIA REGION,TANZANIA QUAKES

4.9 Mb - LAKE VICTORIA REGION, TANZANIA
Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude
4.9 Mb
Date-Time
16 Feb 2009 08:24:22 UTC
16 Feb 2009 11:24:22 near epicenter
16 Feb 2009 02:24:22 standard time in your timezone
Location
3.931S 34.865E
Depth
10 km
Distances
209 km (130 miles) WSW (253 degrees) of Arusha, Tanzania
259 km (161 miles) ENE (62 degrees) of Tabora, Tanzania
264 km (164 miles) NNW (340 degrees) of Dodoma, Tanzania
367 km (228 miles) SW (217 degrees) of NAIROBI, Kenya
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 12.5 km; Vertical
Parameters
Nph = 17; Dmin = 408.1 km; Rmss = 1.01 seconds; Gp = 57°M-type = Mb; Version = 7
Event ID
US 2009ddav
5.0 Mb - LAKE VICTORIA REGION, TANZANIA
Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude
5.0 Mb
Date-Time
3 Feb 2009 15:48:53 UTC
3 Feb 2009 18:48:53 near epicenter
3 Feb 2009 09:48:53 standard time in your timezone
Location
3.948S 34.859E
Depth
10 km
Distances
210 km (131 miles) WSW (253 degrees) of Arusha, Tanzania
257 km (160 miles) ENE (63 degrees) of Tabora, Tanzania
262 km (163 miles) NNW (340 degrees) of Dodoma, Tanzania
369 km (229 miles) SW (216 degrees) of NAIROBI, Kenya
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 14.0 km; Vertical
Parameters
Nph = 27; Dmin = 410.0 km; Rmss = 1.35 seconds; Gp = 57°M-type = Mb; Version = 6
Event ID
US 2009cqaw
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: Event Page or U.S.G.S. Earthquake Hazards Program
National Earthquake Information CenterU.S. Geological Survey


As in the days of Noah...

5.1 Mb - MAURITIUS - REUNION REGION

5.1 Mb - MAURITIUS - REUNION REGION
Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude
5.1 Mb
Date-Time
21 Jan 2009 06:27:57 UTC
21 Jan 2009 10:27:57 near epicenter
21 Jan 2009 00:27:57 standard time in your timezone
Location
20.199S 66.366E
Depth
10 km
Distances
311 km (193 miles) E (100 degrees) of Rodrigues Island, Mauritius
925 km (575 miles) E (92 degrees) of PORT LOUIS, Mauritius
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 9.5 km; Vertical
Parameters
Nph = 36; Dmin = 927.1 km; Rmss = 0.87 seconds; Gp = 79°M-type = Mb; Version = 7
Event ID
US 2009ccav
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: Event Page or U.S.G.S. Earthquake Hazards Program
National Earthquake Information CenterU.S. Geological Survey

As in the days of Noah...

4.8 Mb - NORTHERN ALGERIA

4.8 Mb - NORTHERN ALGERIA
Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude
4.8 Mb
Date-Time
17 Jan 2009 11:22:25 UTC
17 Jan 2009 12:22:25 near epicenter
17 Jan 2009 05:22:25 standard time in your timezone
Location
36.223N 1.594E
Depth
10 km
Distances
24 km (15 miles) ENE (75 degrees) of Ech-Cheliff, Algeria
115 km (72 miles) WSW (255 degrees) of Blida, Algeria
143 km (89 miles) WSW (242 degrees) of ALGIERS, Algeria
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 14.8 km; Vertical
Parameters
Nph = 24; Dmin = 621.3 km; Rmss = 0.97 seconds; Gp = 212°M-type = Mb; Version = 7
Event ID
US 2009bya7
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: Event Page or U.S.G.S. Earthquake Hazards Program
National Earthquake Information CenterU.S. Geological Survey

As in the days of Noah...

RED SEA QUAKES

4.5 Mb - RED SEA
Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude
4.5 Mb
Date-Time
6 Feb 2009 03:27:55 UTC
6 Feb 2009 06:27:55 near epicenter
5 Feb 2009 21:27:55 standard time in your timezone
Location
18.791N 39.330E
Depth
10 km
Distances
192 km (119 miles) WSW (258 degrees) of Al Qunfidhah, Saudi Arabia
251 km (156 miles) ESE (112 degrees) of Port Sudan, Sudan
293 km (182 miles) SSW (201 degrees) of At Taif, Saudi Arabia
387 km (241 miles) N (7 degrees) of ASMARA, Eritrea
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 22.7 km; Vertical
Parameters
Nph = 18; Dmin = 999.9 km; Rmss = 1.09 seconds; Gp = 212°M-type = Mb; Version = 7
Event ID
US 2009ctak

4.8 Mb - RED SEA
Preliminary Earthquake Report
Magnitude
4.8 Mb
Date-Time
5 Feb 2009 21:36:14 UTC
6 Feb 2009 00:36:14 near epicenter
5 Feb 2009 15:36:14 standard time in your timezone
Location
19.205N 39.107E
Depth
10 km
Distances
211 km (131 miles) W (272 degrees) of Al Qunfidhah, Saudi Arabia
214 km (133 miles) ESE (103 degrees) of Port Sudan, Sudan
255 km (159 miles) S (181 degrees) of Jiddah, Saudi Arabia
431 km (268 miles) N (3 degrees) of ASMARA, Eritrea
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 22.0 km; Vertical
Parameters
Nph = 16; Dmin = 999.9 km; Rmss = 0.66 seconds; Gp = 126°M-type = Mb; Version = 6
Event ID
US 2009csbl
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: Event Page or U.S.G.S. Earthquake Hazards Program
National Earthquake Information CenterU.S. Geological Survey


As in the days of Noah....

4.6 Mb - EASTERN TURKEY

4.6 Mb - EASTERN TURKEY
Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude
4.6 Mb
Date-Time
1 Feb 2009 10:27:16 UTC
1 Feb 2009 12:27:16 near epicenter
1 Feb 2009 04:27:16 standard time in your timezone
Location
40.490N 42.328E
Depth
3 km
Distances
65 km (40 miles) W (261 degrees) of Kars, Turkey
91 km (56 miles) SSE (150 degrees) of Artvin, Turkey
104 km (65 miles) NW (324 degrees) of Karakose (Agri), Turkey
107 km (67 miles) NE (56 degrees) of Erzurum, Turkey
187 km (116 miles) W (281 degrees) of YEREVAN, Armenia
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: ; Vertical
Parameters
Nph = 33; Dmin = 208.8 km; Rmss = ; Gp = 154°M-type = Mb; Version = Q
Event ID
US 2009cnaz
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: Event Page or U.S.G.S. Earthquake Hazards Program
National Earthquake Information CenterU.S. Geological Survey

As in the days of Noah...

4.6 Mb - CENTRAL TURKEY

4.6 Mb - CENTRAL TURKEY
Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude
4.6 Mb
Date-Time
17 Jan 2009 07:45:26 UTC
17 Jan 2009 09:45:26 near epicenter
17 Jan 2009 01:45:26 standard time in your timezone
Location
37.015N 36.291E
Depth
10 km
Distances
9 km (6 miles) SE (146 degrees) of Osmaniye, Turkey
46 km (29 miles) NNE (18 degrees) of Iskenderun, Turkey
85 km (53 miles) SW (221 degrees) of Kahramanmaras, Turkey
336 km (209 miles) NE (51 degrees) of NICOSIA, Cyprus
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 17.6 km; Vertical
Parameters
Nph = 17; Dmin = 351.3 km; Rmss = 1.37 seconds; Gp = 144°M-type = Mb; Version = 7
Event ID
US 2009byav
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: Event Page or U.S.G.S. Earthquake Hazards Program
National Earthquake Information CenterU.S. Geological Survey

As in the days of Noah...

GREECE QUAKES

5.6 Mb - SOUTHERN GREECE
Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude
5.6 Mb
Date-Time
16 Feb 2009 23:16:40 UTC
17 Feb 2009 01:16:40 near epicenter
16 Feb 2009 17:16:40 standard time in your timezone
Location
37.411N 21.067E
Depth
10 km
Distances
102 km (64 miles) WNW (295 degrees) of Kalamata, Greece
109 km (68 miles) SSW (213 degrees) of Patras, Greece
244 km (151 miles) WSW (255 degrees) of ATHENS, Greece
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 7.6 km; Vertical
Parameters
Nph = 148; Dmin = 449.7 km; Rmss = 0.66 seconds; Gp = 90°M-type = Mb; Version = 6
Event ID
US 2009ddb7 ***This event supersedes event AT00482620.
4.8 Mb - IONIAN SEA
Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude
4.8 Mb
Date-Time
2 Feb 2009 04:13:37 UTC
2 Feb 2009 06:13:37 near epicenter
1 Feb 2009 22:13:37 standard time in your timezone
Location
37.695N 20.836E
Depth
50 km
Distances
99 km (61 miles) SW (233 degrees) of Patras, Greece
135 km (84 miles) WNW (303 degrees) of Kalamata, Greece
220 km (136 miles) S (180 degrees) of Ioannina, Greece
257 km (160 miles) W (263 degrees) of ATHENS, Greece
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 7.7 km; Vertical 13.3 km
Parameters
Nph = 29; Dmin = 414.1 km; Rmss = 0.74 seconds; Gp = 46°M-type = Mb; Version = 6
Event ID
US 2009cpal

4.7 Mb - GREECE
Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude
4.7 Mb
Date-Time
1 Feb 2009 00:57:10 UTC
1 Feb 2009 02:57:10 near epicenter
31 Jan 2009 18:57:10 standard time in your timezone
Location
38.557N 20.372E
Depth
35 km
Distances
124 km (77 miles) WNW (287 degrees) of Patras, Greece
130 km (81 miles) SSW (199 degrees) of Ioannina, Greece
213 km (132 miles) WSW (237 degrees) of Larisa, Greece
300 km (186 miles) WNW (283 degrees) of ATHENS, Greece
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 7.1 km; Vertical
Parameters
Nph = 55; Dmin = 313.3 km; Rmss = 1.15 seconds; Gp = 90°M-type = Mb; Version = 7
Event ID
US 2009cnac

4.6 Mb - CRETE, GREECE
Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude
4.6 Mb
Date-Time
19 Jan 2009 23:02:05 UTC
20 Jan 2009 01:02:05 near epicenter
19 Jan 2009 17:02:05 standard time in your timezone
Location
34.517N 24.826E
Depth
10 km
Distances
97 km (60 miles) SSW (201 degrees) of Iraklion, Crete, Greece
133 km (83 miles) SE (146 degrees) of Chania, Crete, Greece
282 km (175 miles) NNE (16 degrees) of Tubruq, Libya
400 km (248 miles) SSE (165 degrees) of ATHENS, Greece
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 23.9 km; Vertical 39.6 km
Parameters
Nph = 21; Dmin = 781.5 km; Rmss = 0.82 seconds; Gp = 194°M-type = Mb; Version = 6
Event ID
US 2009cab3

5.2 Mb - CRETE, GREECE
Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude
5.2 Mb
Date-Time
13 Jan 2009 06:12:45 UTC
13 Jan 2009 08:12:45 near epicenter
13 Jan 2009 00:12:45 standard time in your timezone
Location
35.636N 26.347E
Depth
46 km
Distances
109 km (68 miles) ENE (72 degrees) of Iraklion, Crete, Greece
184 km (114 miles) SSE (152 degrees) of Naxos, Cyclades Islands, Greece
191 km (119 miles) WSW (243 degrees) of Rodhos, Dodecanese Islands, Greece
351 km (218 miles) SE (138 degrees) of ATHENS, Greece
Location Uncertainty
Horizontal: 8.6 km; Vertical 8.1 km
Parameters
Nph = 89; Dmin = 640.1 km; Rmss = 1.09 seconds; Gp = 82°M-type = Mb; Version = 7
Event ID
US 2009buam
For updates, maps, and technical information, see: Event Page or U.S.G.S. Earthquake Hazards Program
National Earthquake Information CenterU.S. Geological Survey


As in the days of Noah...

Monday, February 2, 2009

Volcano erupts near Tokyo raining ash down on city

TOKYO-A volcano near Tokyo erupted Monday, shooting up billowing smoke and showering parts of the capital with a fine ash that sent some city residents to the car wash and left others puzzled over the white powder they initially mistook for snow. Mount Asama erupted in the early hours of Monday, belching out a plume that rose about a mile (1.6 kilometers) high, Japan's Meteorological Agency said.There were no reports of injuries or damage from the eruption of the volcano, 90 miles (145 kilometers) northwest of Tokyo. It last erupted in August, 2008, causing no major damage.Chunks of rock from the explosion were found about 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) away from the volcano. Ash was detected over a wide area, including central Tokyo and as far as eastern Chiba.In Tokyo's western district of Fussa, the local government office was flooded with calls from residents asking about "the mysterious white powder" falling from the sky and fire departments fielded calls from people afraid the ash was from a nearby blaze.In the town of Karuizawa, southeast of the volcano, the ash was thick enough to obscure road markings in some areas, town official Noboru Yanagishi said."Some people said they heard a strange noise in the morning when the eruption occurred," he said.The eruption was not big enough to disrupt daily life near the volcano, though many people awoke to find their cars covered in a fine layer of powder. National broadcaster NHK showed people in Tokyo lining up to get their cars washed or wiping the ash from their windows, with some drivers saying they first thought it was snow.In Tachikawa, a district in northwestern Tokyo, some farming areas were coated with ash."Because it's February and not harvesting season, there was no real damage to any crops," said Shoichi Matsumoto, a local official.In Tsumagoi, a small town on the volcano with ski resorts and hot spring baths, residents went about their business as usual. Travelers planning vacations to the area had called to inquire, but no one canceled, said Masaru Yoshida, a spokesman for the local tourist association."The wind has blown the ash to the other side of the mountain," he said. "It's a clear day so you can see some smoke, but not as much as we've had in the past."Mount Asama has been active for thousands of years.Its last major eruption took place in September 2004, spewing enough ash to damage local crops. It frequently spews smaller amounts of ash from its crater.With 108 active volcanos, Japan is among the most seismically busy countries in the world. The country lies in the "Ring of Fire"-a series of volcanoes and fault lines that outline the Pacific Ocean.Later Monday, the agency also reported a minor eruption at another volcano-Sakurajima in southern Japan.An alert level of three was in place Monday for a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) radius, which bars entry into the area and urges nearby residents to take caution. "We don't think there will be any stronger eruptions, but we don't see the activity stopping anytime soon, either," agency official Kazuya Kokubo said.
By JAY ALABASTER, Associated Press Writer

As in the days of Noah....

Ash falls on Tokyo as volcanoes erupt

TOKYO-Two volcanoes erupted near major cities in Japan on Monday, with one spewing white smoke and ash into the heart of Tokyo, the weather agency said. Authorities advised residents to wear masks in the towns near Mount Asama, some 150 kilometres (95 miles) northwest of Tokyo, which belched lava shortly before 2:00 am.The 2,568-metre (8,425-foot) volcano last erupted in August last year. Live television footage showed smoke coming from the snow-covered mountain hours after the eruption.No one was injured.Carried by winds, volcanic ash fell like snow flakes on towns at the foot of the mountain. Traces of ash were even reported in central Tokyo and all the way in the metropolis of Yokohama southeast of the capital."I've been a taxi driver in Yokohama for 10 years but I've never seen this kind of volcanic ash before," the driver said on television as he wiped a thin blanket of ash off his windshield."I heard a rumbling and my windowpanes kept rattling," said a female resident of one of the towns near the volcano where local officials urged inhabitants to wear masks.The weather agency warned of a possible fall of rocks within four kilometres of the crater.Meanwhile, 1,117-metre (3,686-foot) Mount Sakurajima next to the southern city of Kagoshima erupted eight times, the meteorological agency said, warning of falling ash.But local inhabitants and city officials said daily activity was little affected by the eruptions which occurred from Sunday evening until early Monday, the agency said."Most of the ash has fallen into the sea, and we did not note anything out of the ordinary affecting daily activity," said Hiroyuki Ikenoue, a local official.Japan lies at the convergence of four tectonic plates, subjecting the nation to frequent volcano eruptions and 20 percent of the world's powerful earthquakes.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/japanvolcano
As in the days of Noah....

Volcano Erupts Near Tokyo Raining Ash

A volcano near Tokyo erupted Monday, shooting up billowing smoke and showering parts of the capital with a fine ash that sent some city residents to the car wash and left others puzzled over the white powder they initially mistook for snow...

Japan on heightened alert for Mount Asama eruption

TOKYO-Japan's Meteorological Agency increased the alert level at Mount Asama volcano in central Japan, warning of an eruption within two days, an agency official said on Sunday.The alert level was raised due to signs of increased seismic activity on Mount Asama, a 2,568 meter (8,425 foot) peak 140 km (90 miles) northwest of Tokyo, the official said."There are prospects for an eruption that could throw volcanic rocks to a distance of around 4 kilometres," Sadayuki Kitagawa, senior coordinator for volcanic affairs at Japan's Meteorological Agency, told Reuters by telephone.He said the type of seismic activity detected on the mountain pointed to the possibility of an eruption within a few hours to around two days.Mount Asama, one of Japan's more active volcanoes, had its biggest eruption in 21 years on September 1 2004, spewing hot rock and raining ash on areas as far as 200 km (125 miles) away. That eruption, however, did not cause any major damage.The warning level for a Mount Asama eruption was raised one notch to level three on a scale of five, in which five is the highest level of alert, Kitagawa said.A level three alert covers non-residential areas near the crater of the volcano and warns people not to approach the volcano. It was the first such alert for Mount Asama since the Meteorological Agency adopted the current volcanic warning levels in December 2007, Kitagawa said.Mount Asama is known for a huge eruption in 1783 that caused widespread damage and killed around 1,500 people.
(Reporting by Masayuki Kitano; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani)
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE5100E420090201
As in the days of Noah...

Japan's Mount Asama Erupts