Between 2006 and 2007, the Kuril Islands experienced two earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 8.0. What was different about the fault movement of these two events? The Different Fault Movement of Two 8+ Magnitude Earthquakes in the Kuril Islands (2006-2007)

Two 8.+ Magnitude Earthquakes Caused by Different Fault Movements in Kuril Islands, 2006-2007

Two earthquakes of magnitude greater than 8.0 occurred on the Kuril Islands in 2006 and 2007. Although both earthquakes were located in the same subduction area, their fault movement was distinct. According to the “Kuril Islands Earthquake of November 2006” report, the first earthquake had a magnitude of 8.3 and occurred on November 15, 2006. It was a thrust fault earthquake, meaning that the crustal plate moved up and over the plate below it (“Kuril Islands Earthquake”). On January 13, 2007, the second earthquake had an magnitude of 8.1. This event was a strike-slip earthquake, meaning that the two plates moved horizontally past each other (“Kuril Islands Earthquake of January 2007”). Subduction angle was responsible for the difference in fault movement. It was more likely that the 2006 earthquake would have been a thrust fault event because it occurred at a low angle. In contrast, the 2007 earthquake occurred at a steep angle, which made it more likely to be a strike-slip event (“Kuril Islands Earthquake”). Cont…