Upsurge in big earthquakes predicted for 2018 as Earth rotation slows

Scientists say number of severe quakes is likely to rise strongly next year because of a periodic slowing of the Earth ’s rotationScientists have warned there could be a big increase in numbers of devastatingearthquakes around the world next year. They believe variations in the speed of Earth ’s rotation could trigger intense seismic activity, particularly in heavily populated tropical regions.Although such fluctuations in rotation are small – changing the length of the day by a millisecond – they could still be implicated in the release of vast amounts of underground energy, it is argued.Continue reading...

Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - November 18, 2017 Category: Science Authors: Robin McKie Tags: Earthquakes UK news Science World news Global development Geology Natural disasters and extreme weather Source Type: news