Until 13: 00 hours this Tuesday 20 September there have been 814 aftershocks of the earthquake of magnitude 7.7 occurred in Mexico last Tuesday, as reported by the National Seismological Service (SSM).
The most important earthquake aftershock was magnitude 5.8, at 1: 09 hours this Tuesday, reported at about 44 miles south of Tecomán, Colima; It is worth mentioning that the epicenter of yesterday’s earthquake was recorded in Coalcomán, Michoacán.
The National Seismological Service also announced that the rest of the aftershocks have been of small magnitudes, ranging between 2.9 and 4.8. It is worth mentioning that the dependency has mentioned about at least 3 other movements after the 13 : 00 hours.
It should be remembered that yesterday’s earthquake was first reported with magnitude 6.8, however, the SSM adjusted the figure twice: first to 7.4 and finally to 7.7. The earthquake occurred at 13: 05 Monday hours, almost an hour after the National Drill 2022.
What is the difference between an earthquake and an aftershock?
An earthquake occurs when the forces that affect a certain volume of rock (tectonic plates), exceed its resistance, causing a rupture violent ure and the sudden release of pent-up energy.
This accumulated energy spreads in the form of seismic waves in all directions.
When an earthquake occurs, the preliminary information available during the first few minutes is obtained from a small group of stations from the network of seismological observatories in each country.
The aftershocks, on the other hand, are seismic movements after an earthquake, of lesser magnitude than this one but that occur in the same region and originate because the accumulated energy continues to be released.
Earthquakes in Mexico: 19 September
Yesterday’s earthquake is the third in Mexico a 19 in September, although with much less impact than the previous two.
The one in 1985 left an approximate figure of 40 thousand victims, while the one from 2017 left about 370 dead; Yesterday’s earthquake barely reported dozens of injuries and at least 2 deaths.
Naturally, this is a popular perception that has been reinforced by recent coincidences: September is a month of large earthquakes in Mexico, however, for scientists there is a clear answer: they are just coincidences. HERE why.
Also read:
· What science says about the idea that there are more earthquakes in Mexico in September
· Tsunami alert in Mexico after earthquake of magnitude 7.7
The first images of the 7.7 earthquake in Mexico are reported