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| Earthquake Devastates Taiwan: A Ring of Fire Tragedy [Image Source: Daily Express] |
In recent news, Taiwan was struck by a devastating earthquake that caused widespread damage and loss of life. The earthquake, which measured 7.2 magnitude according to Taiwan’s earthquake monitoring agency and 7.4 according to the US Geological Survey (USGS), is the most powerful to hit the island in at least 25 years. The epicentre was located just 18 kilometres south-southwest of Hualien County in eastern Taiwan.
Casualties and Damage:
Tragically, the earthquake has resulted in the deaths of nine people and more than 800 injuries. The aftermath included multiple aftershocks, with one reaching a magnitude of 6.5, according to the USGS. Reports indicate significant destruction to infrastructure and buildings, although the full extent is yet to be assessed.
Taiwan’s Location on the Ring of Fire:
Taiwan's susceptibility to earthquakes is due to its location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region responsible for 90% of the world’s earthquakes. Since 1980, the island and its surrounding waters have experienced around 2,000 earthquakes with a magnitude of 4.0 or greater, and more than 100 with a magnitude above 5.5, according to the USGS.
What is the Ring of Fire?
The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped string of hundreds of volcanoes and earthquake sites that stretches nearly 40,250 kilometres around the Pacific Ocean. It marks the meeting points of various tectonic plates, including the Eurasian, North American, Juan de Fuca, Cocos, Caribbean, Nazca, Antarctic, Indian, Australian, Philippine, and other smaller plates, encircling the large Pacific Plate.
The Ring of Fire traverses 15 countries, including the USA, Indonesia, Mexico, Japan, Canada, Guatemala, Russia, Chile, Peru, and the Philippines.
Why is the Ring of Fire Vulnerable to Earthquakes?
The Ring of Fire experiences frequent earthquakes due to the constant movement of tectonic plates. These plates slide past, collide with, or move above or below each other. Earthquakes occur when the edges of these plates get stuck and then unstick on one of the faults.
Taiwan, in particular, is prone to earthquakes due to the interactions between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
Why are there so many Volcanoes in the Ring of Fire?
The abundance of volcanoes in the Ring of Fire is a result of tectonic plate movement. Many of these volcanoes form through subduction, which occurs when two plates collide and the heavier plate is forced underneath the other, creating a deep trench. The Ring of Fire is home to most of the planet's subduction zones, hence hosting numerous volcanoes.
This tragic event in Taiwan serves as a stark reminder of the geological forces at play in the Ring of Fire, highlighting the need for preparedness and resilience in vulnerable regions.