Microearthquake
Encyclopedia
A microearthquake is a very low intensity earthquake
which is usually three or less on the Richter scale. In addition to having natural tectontic
causes, they may also be seen as a result of underground nuclear testing or even large detonations of conventional explosives for producing excavations. They normally cause no damage to life or property.
Microquakes occur often near volcanoes as they approach an eruption, and frequently in certain regions exploited for geothermal energy, such as near Geyserville
in Northern California
. These occur so continuously that the current USGS event map for that location usually shows a substantial number of small earthquakes at that location.
Earthquake
An earthquake is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. The seismicity, seismism or seismic activity of an area refers to the frequency, type and size of earthquakes experienced over a period of time...
which is usually three or less on the Richter scale. In addition to having natural tectontic
Tectonics
Tectonics is a field of study within geology concerned generally with the structures within the lithosphere of the Earth and particularly with the forces and movements that have operated in a region to create these structures.Tectonics is concerned with the orogenies and tectonic development of...
causes, they may also be seen as a result of underground nuclear testing or even large detonations of conventional explosives for producing excavations. They normally cause no damage to life or property.
Microquakes occur often near volcanoes as they approach an eruption, and frequently in certain regions exploited for geothermal energy, such as near Geyserville
Geyserville, California
Geyserville is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Sonoma County, California, USA. Located in the Wine Country, it is noted by tourists for its restaurants, bed and breakfast inns, and wineries...
in Northern California
Northern California
Northern California is the northern portion of the U.S. state of California. The San Francisco Bay Area , and Sacramento as well as its metropolitan area are the main population centers...
. These occur so continuously that the current USGS event map for that location usually shows a substantial number of small earthquakes at that location.