Rise in recorded earthquakes not a natural increase, geology professor says
Professor Ahmad Malabeh says more recorded earthquakes reflect better monitoring, not a real rise in seismic activity, and urges long-term analysis.
Geology professor Ahmad Malabeh argues that the recent surge in recorded earthquakes is primarily due to improved monitoring capabilities, not an actual increase in seismic activity. In an interview with Al Arabiya FM, Malabeh emphasized that the overall rate of earthquakes remains within normal ranges when analyzed over extended periods.
To determine if there is a genuine rise in earthquake numbers, Malabeh stressed the importance of examining data spanning several decades rather than comparing year-to-year figures. He clarified that the higher count of recorded earthquakes can be attributed to three main factors: enhanced monitoring technology allowing for the detection of previously undetected tremors, the rapid dissemination of earthquake news through media and social networks, and population growth, which facilitates the swift spread of earthquake reports.
Malabeh cautioned against conflating minor tremors with significant earthquakes, noting that many weak tremors are often imperceptible to people but can be detected by monitoring devices. Stronger earthquakes are recorded on a more extensive scale, with magnitudes above 4.5 being more noticeable and magnitudes of 7 or higher capable of triggering tsunamis.
Ultimately, Malabeh urged the focus on long-term seismic data to accurately assess the state of earthquake activity.
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