Earthquake in Altai in August 2016: consequences, forecasts

The territory of the Altai Territory is rather heterogeneous in its geological structure, which is manifested in the high seismic activity of the region. The first references to the earthquakes in the Altai, documented in the documentary, refer to the XVIII century. Modern seismic activity is characterized by the probability of occurrence of earthquakes within the limits of 8 points.

The concept of "earthquake" and the causes

Any natural phenomenon attracts attention not so much at the expense of small study, but because of its unpredictability. The earthquake is a series of earthquakes that occur due to shifts in the lithospheric plates. In addition, this phenomenon can arise as a result of a person's careless attitude to nature, that is, from nuclear explosions or the collapse of mines.

Quite often earthquakes occur at the bottom of the oceans, and this avoids the great catastrophic consequences for the multi-urban cities.

Some tremors can be felt only by instruments; Others sometimes do terrible damage to cities and even countries, while taking with them a huge number of human lives.

Measurement of energy and intensity of seismic vibrations

In order to find out the amount of energy released by subterranean vibrations, it is necessary to use the Richter scale. It is a classification of earthquakes by magnitude, which are defined in conventional units from 1 to 9.5. Data on the oscillations are obtained with the help of a seismograph recording the shifts of tectonic and lithospheric plates.

The intensity of the earthquake is measured on the scale of the Mercalli and can be from 1 to 12 points. This means that all earthquakes can be divided into 12 groups, each of which is characterized by the strength of manifestation of destruction, for example:

• Weak tremors;
• Moderate tremors;
• Strong, and so on.

It is impossible to confuse the measurement of the energy and intensity of earthquakes. The energy becomes known immediately after receiving the seismogram and helps to locate the source of seismic oscillations, and the intensity is the ratio of the magnitude of the oscillations and the activity of the tremors.

Seismically hazardous areas in Russia

Earthquakes occur daily in many areas around the world. Russia in this regard was a little more fortunate: its territory is located mainly on a single tectonic plate. Nevertheless, in areas such as the North Caucasus and the Kamchatka peninsula, the boundaries of the plate are clearly marked, so that these regions can be subjected to some tremors.

At the same time, the most dangerous and seismically unstable regions are Altai, Eastern Siberia and Yakutia. The possible intensity of earthquakes averages 4-6 points.

Altai: features and legends

Until some time, the Altai Territory was relatively stable in seismic terms. But historical documents from 1761 report an enormous power event: the magnitude of the oscillations was 8, and the intensity was about 11 points on the modern scale. In addition, traces of ancient changes in tectonic plates were found. It was in ancient times that local residents surrounded almost every natural phenomenon with a haze of mystery. According to AA Nikonov's book "Earthquakes ... (Past, Present, Forecast)", an earthquake in the Altai was perceived as "careless movement of a monster living underground". Another legend existed at the time of paganism. It refers to a woman who violated the ban on the presence of the sacrifice and was the reason for the dissolution of the god-amphibian union. The wrath of this god was so great that the mountain on which this god lived was "shaken to the ground."

As can be seen from the aforementioned legends, the earthquake in the mountainous Altai was perceived in antiquity as a manifestation of the discontent of the celestials.

XX century

The earthquake in the Altai is no longer an extremely rare event. It's just not always noticeable to people, most often the tremors are recorded only by instruments.

If we consider the period of the twentieth century, then we can find data on strong tremors. Scientific articles mention a phenomenon such as the Tsetzerlag earthquake. In Altai this incident is far from the only one. In addition to this, many other seismic vibrations are given, with a smaller magnitude.

We must not forget about the strongest known earthquakes of this historical period. It happened in 1965, and its intensity was 7 points. This seismic phenomenon occurred near the town of Kamen. Ground tremors were accompanied by a rumble, and the entire Kamensk district was subjected to significant destruction.

Phenomena of our time

The 21st century has already been remembered by the inhabitants of the Altai Territory. In 2003 there was a strong earthquake. In Altai it is known as Chui. Its magnitude was 7.3, and the intensity in the epicenter was 9 points. The consequences of this seismic shock were landslides, talus and rockfalls. In addition, so-called mud volcanoes appeared throughout the Chui steppe. Truly impressive was a landslide 1 km wide, descended on the right bank of the Taltury River. There are opinions that this is by no means the most striking thing that an earthquake can do.

In Altai in August 2016, people waited fearfully for the promised underground vibrations. According to forecasts, tremors with a magnitude of up to 5.0 were indicated during the first decade of August. EMERCOM of Russia in the Altai Territory indicated this information on its official website. And indeed, the earthquake in the Altai in August 2016 (August 9, 2016) really happened. And not one, but three, and for one day. In 225 km to the south-east of Gorno-Altaisk early in the morning the first earthquake oscillations in the Altai were recorded. The forecast began to come true. And in the afternoon, with a difference in a minute, two more tremors were recorded for 149 km to the south and 87 km to the north-east of Gorno-Altaisk, respectively.

As it turned out later, the earthquakes occurred due to the proximity of the seismic activity focus. In this region, the process of mountain building has been going on for more than 10 years.

2017: what can Altai residents expect?

The earthquake in the Altai in August 2016 remains the strongest since 2003. But according to the calculations of scientists, the activity of seismic fluctuations increases, and this can make the Altai Territory dangerous for living. Taking into account the peculiarities of the tectonic structure of this region, it can be assumed that underground oscillations with a magnitude of up to 5.0 are far from the limit. Therefore, residents of Altai are recommended to protect their homes whenever possible and in case of an earthquake not to panic.