Causes of the Morocco Earthquake: Pressure from Atlas Mountain Range, Says Italian Seismologist
- Advertisement -
Earthquake in Morocco Caused by Pressure from the Atlas Mountain Range
Italian seismologist Carlo Meletti from the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology states that the recent earthquake in Morocco was triggered by pressure exerted by the Atlas mountain range.
Understanding the Cause of the Earthquake
An expert explains that the powerful earthquake, measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale, occurred along the Atlas Range due to the pressure resulting from the movement of the African tectonic plate in relation to the Eurasian plate.
Recurring Pattern: The Role of the Atlas Mountain Range
- Advertisement -
The Atlas mountain range, which acts as a natural barrier between the Sahara Desert and the Atlantic Ocean, has played a significant role in seismic activity. It was also responsible for a devastating earthquake in the city of Agadir in 1960, claiming the lives of approximately 15,000 people. Interestingly, the recent earthquake followed the same axis as the Agadir earthquake.
High Seismicity in Morocco
According to Meletti, the Atlas mountain range is one of the two regions in Morocco known for its heightened seismic activity. The second region is the area along the Mediterranean coast, where the destructive Fez earthquake occurred in 1624.
The Compressive Movement of the Atlas Mountain Range
Meletti explains that the Atlas mountain range experiences a compressive movement from north to south. This movement is a result of the stability of the African plate, which acts as a relatively cohesive continent in terms of its movement.
Source: TASS