February 6, 2009

Red Sea Earthquakes—What’s Happening?

By Tim | February 6, 2009 | Tags: Science |

Two earthquakes have occurred under the Red Sea.

The two earthquake were about six hours apart and their epicenters were in close proximity to each other: [ Here ] and [ Here ]. The magnitude of each earthquake was 4.5 and 4.8 respectively.

The earthquakes occurred along a divergent plate boundary where the Arabian plate is pulling away from the African plate, splitting the Red Sea.

This graphic shows the plate boundary and direction of movement:

Arabian Tectonic Plate

The Saudi Geological Survey has more information about the Arabian tectonic plate.

Credits:

Image: Saudi Geological Survey

 

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