On average, 10-12 earthquakes occur every hour at various geographical locations. The tremors can be of high magnitude or barely noticeable and weak. Regardless, scientists record this unsettling “breathing” of the Earth even at depths exceeding 130 km. Tremors are most frequently recorded in the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where 328 of the world’s 540 known active volcanoes are located along the perimeter of the Pacific Ocean.
The Ring of Fire
The Pacific Ring of Fire is a region encircling the Pacific Ocean, known for its high levels of volcanic and seismic activity. It stretches for approximately 40,000 kilometers, encompassing the coasts of numerous countries, including:
- South America (Chile, Peru)
- North America (USA, Canada)
- East Asia (Japan, Philippines)
- Southeast Asia and Australia
Within the Ring of Fire lie approximately 75% of all active volcanoes on Earth. Earthquakes are frequently recorded in this area, as it is situated at the junction of tectonic plates, which frequently collide. The seismically active ring is formed by the collision and separation of various tectonic plates, including the Pacific Plate. Key points within this hazardous zone include Krakatoa volcano in Indonesia, the Hawaiian Islands, and Mount Fuji in Japan. The most notable earthquakes within the Ring of Fire in recent decades have occurred in the following regions:
- Indonesia – In February 2018, several earthquakes occurred, including a magnitude 5.6 quake, the third within a 24-hour period. The source of the tremors was located 233 km west of Abepura at a depth of 10 km.
- Japan – Since 1995, the country has experienced approximately 70 earthquakes with a magnitude of 6 or higher, resulting in tens of thousands of fatalities. Among the most devastating catastrophes were the Great Hanshin earthquake in Kobe (1995) with a magnitude of 7.3, which killed over 6,400 people; and the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami (2011) with a magnitude of 9.0, which triggered a tsunami and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, resulting in approximately 19,000 deaths from both the natural and subsequent technological disaster.
- Papua New Guinea – In March 2018, a magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck the eastern part of New Guinea, causing significant damage.
The Pacific Ring of Fire Remains Active
One of the most recent high-magnitude earthquakes within the volcanic ring was recorded on December 17, 2024, off the coast of Port Vila, the capital of the island nation of Vanuatu. The earthquake measured magnitude 7.4 and its epicenter was located at a depth of 10 km. Tragically, the earthquake resulted in fatalities, with at least 14 people reported dead and over 200 injured. Port Vila and surrounding areas suffered significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. Landslides blocked roads connecting Port Vila to the international shipping terminal. The seaport and airport temporarily ceased operations. Disruptions to water and electricity supplies were experienced in the city. The earthquake triggered a tsunami, exacerbating the situation in coastal areas.
Vanuatu’s Seismic Characteristics
The island nation of Vanuatu is located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, characterized by high seismic activity. The primary geological structure of Vanuatu is the New Hebrides Trench, where the Australian and New Hebrides tectonic plates meet and interact. The Australian plate subducts beneath the New Hebrides plate (a phenomenon known as subduction – a key mechanism in the movement of the Earth’s crust), which causes significant earthquakes. The subduction of the Australian plate beneath the New Hebrides plate forms the deep-sea New Hebrides Trench, a major subduction zone. This leads to frequent earthquakes of varying depths and magnitudes.
Furthermore, Vanuatu is home to several active volcanoes, such as Mount Yasur on Tanna Island and Ambrym volcano. These volcanoes are closely linked to tectonic activity and can trigger additional earthquakes during eruptions. Tremors in the subduction zone are often accompanied by tsunamis, which can reach Vanuatu’s coast within minutes or hours after an earthquake, posing a significant threat to coastal areas. Due to its location and geological structure, Vanuatu must constantly consider the risk of earthquakes and tsunamis when planning infrastructure and implementing safety measures for its population.
The Archipelago Shakes Almost Every Other Day
Over the past month, a significant number of earthquakes of varying magnitudes have been recorded in the Vanuatu region. According to VolcanoDiscovery, 14 earthquakes occurred in the last 30 days:
- 1 earthquake with a magnitude of 7 or higher
- 2 earthquakes with a magnitude between 5 and 6
- 11 earthquakes with a magnitude between 4 and 5
Another source, AllQuakes, reports 21 earthquakes during the same period:
- 9 earthquakes with a magnitude of 5 or higher
- 12 earthquakes with a magnitude between 4 and 5
Historical High-Magnitude Earthquakes in the Vanuatu Region
Significant seismic events include the 2015 magnitude 7.0 earthquake off the coast of Malekula Island and the 2009 magnitude 7.6 earthquake, which triggered a tsunami but caused minimal damage due to the epicenter’s distance from major population centers. The magnitude 7.4 earthquake that occurred on December 17, 2024, 30 km west of Vanuatu’s capital, has already become a significant event in the region’s history.