Why Did the 4.0-Magnitude Earthquake in Delhi-NCR Feel So Strong?

Early Monday morning, residents of Delhi-NCR woke up to strong tremors as a 4.0-magnitude earthquake shook high-rise buildings and prompted people to rush outdoors. While an earthquake of this magnitude is considered moderate, the impact felt much stronger than expected. So, what made this quake feel so intense? Let’s break it down.

Epicentre Within Delhi

The earthquake struck at 5:36 AM IST, with its epicentre located in Dhaula Kuan, right in the heart of Delhi. When an earthquake originates within a city, seismic waves travel a much shorter distance before reaching structures, making the shaking feel more intense compared to quakes with epicentres farther away.

Shallow Depth of the Earthquake

Another major reason for the strong tremors was the shallow depth of the quake. The closer an earthquake occurs to the Earth’s surface, the more powerful its impact. In contrast, deeper earthquakes lose some of their energy before reaching the surface, making them feel less intense.

Urban Infrastructure & High-Rise Buildings

Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad have numerous high-rise buildings, which are more prone to swaying during earthquakes. The design of these structures amplifies the sensation of shaking, making the tremors feel much stronger for those living in multi-story apartments.

Soil Composition and Seismic Impact

The type of soil in a region also plays a key role in how an earthquake is felt. Some parts of Delhi are built on soft alluvial soil, which has the ability to amplify seismic waves. This means that even a moderate earthquake can feel more powerful in certain areas.

Why Do Earthquakes Occur in Delhi?

Delhi is located near several active fault lines, including the Delhi-Hardwar Ridge and the Mahendragarh-Dehradun fault. These fault lines are constantly under stress due to tectonic movements, which can lead to sudden energy release in the form of an earthquake.

How Earthquake Intensity Changes With Magnitude

The Richter scale measures earthquake magnitude logarithmically, meaning each whole number increase represents 10 times stronger shaking and 32 times more energy release.

• A magnitude 4.0 earthquake produces 10 times stronger shaking than a 3.0 and releases 32 times more energy.

• A magnitude 5.0 earthquake is 10 times stronger than a 4.0 and releases 32 times more energy.

• A magnitude 6.0 earthquake is 1,000 times stronger than a 3.0 and releases 32,000 times more energy.

This explains why even small increases in magnitude can cause significant damage, especially in densely populated urban areas.

What’s Next?

Authorities have reported no major damage or casualties from the Delhi earthquake, but seismologists are closely monitoring the situation for any aftershocks. Residents are advised to stay alert and follow earthquake preparedness measures, such as securing heavy furniture, identifying safe spots at home, and keeping an emergency kit ready.

Final Thoughts While this earthquake was not highly destructive, it served as a reminder of Delhi’s vulnerability to seismic activity. Given the city’s location in Seismic Zone IV, moderate to strong earthquakes can occur anytime. The best way to stay safe is to be prepared and aware of the risks.

Stay tuned for more updates on earthquakes and disaster preparedness!

Reference from:-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/why-did-the-4-0-magnitude-earthquake-in-delhi-ncr-feel-so-strong/articleshow/118315557.cms