Earthquake info

An earthquake is the sudden shaking of the Earth’s surface caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the crust. It occurs when stress built up along faults or plate boundaries is released in the form of seismic waves. These movements can result in minor tremors or devastating quakes, leading to destruction and at times tsunamis.

WHY DOES VANUATU EXPERIENCES EARTHQUAKES?

Vanuatu is among the most seismically active regions globally due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where multiple tectonic plates converge and interact. The primary factors contributing to frequent earthquakes in Vanuatu include:

Subduction Zone Activity – The Indo-Australian Plate is sliding beneath the Pacific Plate , leading to significant seismic activity.
Frequent Volcanic Activity – With several active volcanoes, movements of magma within the Earth’s crust can trigger earthquakes.
Tectonic Complexity – The presence of multiple fault lines and microplates increases the chances of seismic events.
Tsunami Risk – Due to its geographical position, strong earthquakes have the potential to generate tsunamis, adding to the region’s natural hazards.