Scientists search for Caribbean quake clues

By following the flow of seawater deep into the earth ’s crust, researchers hope to understand the region’s instabilityGeologically speaking the Caribbean is a lively place. Recent reminders include the 1995 volcanic eruption on Montserrat, and the devastating magnitude 7 earthquake that struck Haiti in January 2010. Occasionally the Caribbean produces even more powerful outbursts.Back in February 1843 the region was shaken by an estimated magnitude 8.3 quake, reducing Pointe-a-Pitre in Guadeloupe to ruins and killing one third (1,500) of its inhabitants. Meanwhile, 2,000 people are thought to have perished in a quake of unspecified magnitude which shook Jamaica in 1692.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Earthquakes Geology Haiti Americas Natural disasters and extreme weather Science World news Source Type: news