Researchers analyzed data from the USGS's National Seismic Hazard Model, which shows where damaging earthquakes are most likely to occur in the U.S. based on historical and geological data. Over 75% of the United States are at risk of damaging earthquakes, with California being the most vulnerable state.
Earthquakes are known for their destructive power, but they may also have a hidden impact on the weather, according to a new study by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The study, published in the journal Nature Geoscience, reveals that large earthquakes can trigger atmospheric waves that can alter the temperature, pressure and wind patterns in the upper atmosphere.
Earthquakes and Atmospheric Waves
Burak Kara/Getty Images
They found that some of the most earthquake-prone regions, such as California and Alaska, are also located near the jet stream, a fast-moving current of air that circles the globe at high altitudes.
When a large earthquake occurs, it generates seismic waves that travel through the ground and reach the surface. These waves can also propagate upward and reach the lower atmosphere, where they interact with the jet stream and create atmospheric waves.
These waves are similar to the ripples that form when a pebble is thrown into a pond, but they can travel thousands of kilometers and last for hours or days.
The atmospheric waves can affect the weather by changing the temperature, pressure and wind patterns in the upper atmosphere.
For example, the researchers found that the 2011 magnitude 9.0 Tohoku earthquake in Japan, which triggered a devastating tsunami, also generated atmospheric waves that caused a 1°C drop in temperature and a 10% increase in wind speed over Alaska.
Implications and Future Research
The study is the first to show a clear link between earthquakes and atmospheric waves, and it has important implications for weather forecasting and climate modeling.
The researchers suggest that incorporating earthquake data into weather models could improve the accuracy and reliability of weather predictions, especially for regions that are prone to large earthquakes.
The study also opens up new avenues for further research on how earthquakes affect the atmosphere and the climate. The researchers plan to investigate how atmospheric waves from earthquakes influence the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation, and how they affect the formation and movement of clouds, which play a key role in regulating the Earth's temperature.
The study also raises the possibility that atmospheric waves from earthquakes could be detected by satellites and used as a new tool to monitor seismic activity and assess earthquake hazards.
The researchers hope that their findings will inspire more collaboration between seismologists and meteorologists, and lead to a better understanding of the complex interactions between the Earth and the atmosphere.
How to Prepare for Earthquake-Induced Weather Changes
While the effects of atmospheric waves from earthquakes are not as severe as the direct impacts of ground shaking, they can still pose some challenges for people living in affected areas. Here are some tips on how to prepare for and cope with possible weather changes caused by earthquakes:
Stay informed: Check the latest weather forecasts and warnings from reliable sources, such as the National Weather Service or local media outlets. Be aware of any changes in temperature, wind speed, precipitation, or air quality that could affect your health or safety.
Dress appropriately: Wear layers of clothing that can keep you warm or cool depending on the weather conditions. Avoid wearing cotton or other fabrics that can retain moisture and make you feel colder. Wear a hat, gloves, and scarf to protect yourself from wind chill or sun exposure.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol or caffeine, which can dehydrate you or affect your body temperature. If the water supply is disrupted or contaminated, use bottled water or boil tap water before drinking or cooking with it.
Seek shelter: If the weather becomes too extreme or hazardous, seek shelter in a sturdy building or vehicle that can protect you from the elements. Avoid staying outdoors or in open spaces that can expose you to strong winds, lightning, hail, or flying debris.
Have an emergency kit: Prepare a kit that contains essential items, such as food, water, medicine, flashlight, radio, batteries, first aid kit, blankets, and clothing. Keep the kit in a safe and accessible place, and update it regularly. Have a smaller kit in your car or workplace in case you need to evacuate or shelter in place.
