2023-09-27 12:08:00
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The recent scare over the earthquake in Soria has raised public concern about seismic activity in Spain. Although the country is not an epicenter for large earthquakes, does experience considerable seismic activity.
Earthquakes that occur here usually have magnitudes less than 7.0, with the exception of those that occur on the Azores-Gibraltar fault, such as the 1755 or 1969 earthquakes. However, these earthquakes can cause significant damage.
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The Iberian Peninsula is located in the southwestern corner of the Eurasian plate, where it collides with the African plate. This tectonic interaction between the two continents is the cause of seismic activity in Mediterranean nations, including areas such as Algeria, Greece and Turkey. The westernmost section of this plate interaction is the Azores-Gibraltar-Tunisia fault, which influences the seismicity of Spain.
What has been the strongest earthquake IN Spain?
Inside of the historical record of earthquakes in Spain, the one considered the most devastating took place in Almería in the year 1522. According to estimates, this earthquake reached a magnitude of between 6.8 and 7, and an intensity of X to XI. The event resulted in the loss of at least 2,500 lives and the total destruction of the city of Almería.
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Illustration showing the damage from the earthquake in Almería.
On December 25, 1884, an earthquake with a magnitude of between 6.2 and 6.5 shook the town of Arenas del Rey, in the province of Granada. The event resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the complete destruction of the town. Thanks to the financial contributions of the architect Juan Motserrat Vergés and the support of King Alfonso XII, the town had to be rebuilt from scratch. The degree of devastation was such that the earthquake was rated IX-X in intensity.
Although it was not as powerful as the Almería earthquake of 1522, some consider it the most significant in Spanish history due to the full year of strong aftershocks that followed it.
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Before this event, there were also notable earthquakes with prolonged periods of aftershocks, although not as extensive. An example is the Torrevieja earthquake in 1829, whose aftershocks lasted for several months, leaving fissures throughout an entire community that had already lost 399 of its inhabitants and 2,900 homes. Another significant case is that of the intensity IX earthquake that affected Dalías, in Almería, in 1804. This earthquake was followed by 7 months of aftershocks and resulted in the loss of 1,000 lives, in addition to causing serious material damage in Dalías and in the nearby towns of Berja, Canjáyar, Roquetas de Mar and the capital of Almería.
Where do there usually be the most earthquakes in Spain?
Seismic activity in Spain is not distributed uniformly. The areas with the greatest activity are:
Southeast of the peninsula: especially the provinces of Granada and Almería.
Pyrenees: border area between Spain and France.
Canary Islands: seismic activity is related to volcanic processes. Rising magma creates pressure in the Earth’s crust, which can result in earthquakes of varying magnitude.
So that, Andalusia tops the list as the most affected community, with almost all of its provinces experiencing seismic activity at some point.. Almería and Granada are the provinces most prone to earthquakes within Andalusia. The reason for this is that both are located in areas of high seismic danger, characterized by the presence of geological faults with a high degree of friction. These faults are found at the edges of lithospheric plates whose movement accumulates stresses that are eventually released in the form of earthquakes.
Despite these facts, Spain as a whole is considered a country with a moderate risk of earthquakes. In areas like those mentioned, it is common to experience seismic swarms, similar to the one that recently took place in Granada. Large earthquakes are less frequent, but historical evidence shows that they are not an impossibility. Therefore, it is crucial not to underestimate the potential for seismic activity and to continue risk preparedness and mitigation efforts.
Is Spain prepared for a major earthquake?
Since 1969, Spain has implemented legislation focused on earthquake-resistant construction. This regulation requires that in areas with a high risk of seismic activity, buildings be designed and constructed with characteristics that allow them to withstand and resist the forces generated by earthquakes. These measures may include the use of more flexible materials, seismic isolation systems and construction techniques that allow some structural “flexibility” to absorb and dissipate energy.
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However, there is room for improvement in terms of evacuation plans and public education on how to act in the event of an earthquake. Efforts are currently underway to update these standards to adapt them to advances in earthquake engineering and the scientific understanding of earthquakes. The goal is to create a more complete and up-to-date legal framework that reflects the most recent knowledge in the field.
On the other hand, organizations such as National Geographic Institute (IGN) constantly work on monitoring seismic activity and disseminating relevant information.
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