La seismic activity recorded in Mexico during today, December 26 This has once again brought attention to the behavior of the subsoil in the country, one of the territories with the highest frequency of earthquakes worldwide. During the early morning hours, a series of low- and moderate-magnitude events occurred which, although they caused no damage, kept monitoring systems on alert.
Throughout the night and early hours of the day, the National Seismological Service (SSN) It reported dozens of earthquakes distributed mainly in southern and Pacific Mexican states, with special focus on Chiapas, Guerrero and Oaxacaas well as other tremors in Baja California Sur and San Luis PotosÃ. Although most have been imperceptible to the population, the detailed record of each one allows us to track the evolution of daily seismic activity in the region.
Earthquake report for Mexico today, December 26
According to the information released by the National Seismological ServiceDuring the early hours of Friday, December 26, a constant seismic activity in several states of the country. Between 00:40 and 04:47 hours were recorded more than 40 earthquakes, most of them of low magnitude and shallow depth.
A significant portion of these events were concentrated in the vicinity of Pichucalco, in the state of Chiapas, where a seismic sequence with movements that oscillated approximately between magnitude 1.4 and 2.5, at depths close to 3 kilometersThis type of swarm is common in areas that are highly active from a tectonic point of view and, generally, does not usually cause damage.
In addition to Chiapas, tremors were recorded in Guerrero, Oaxaca, Baja California Sur and San Luis PotosÃThis activity is part of a pattern of scattered but typical seismic activity for a day of moderate intensity in the Mexican context. Monitoring agencies are continuing to track this activity to detect any significant changes that could indicate a larger earthquake.
Alongside this detailed count, the SSN reminds us that its work consists of report in real time about the time, location, magnitude and epicenter of each seismic event, allowing civil protection authorities to make quick decisions in case any event reaches potentially damaging levels.
Major earthquakes recorded during the early morning
Among the events reported by the National Seismological Service Several stand out moderate magnitude tremors which, due to their intensity and location, have been the most significant of the day so far. The largest reported earthquake was a 4.1 magnitude earthquake with epicenter located at 47 kilometers southeast of Crucecita, in the state of Oaxaca, recorded around 10 pm.
According to preliminary data, this event occurred at a approximate depth of 5 kilometers, with a latitude close to 15.472° and length of -95.816 °The combination of a moderate magnitude and a relatively shallow depth means that these types of earthquakes can be felt in nearby populations, although they do not necessarily cause structural damage.
During the early morning hours, several movements were also recorded magnitude 3.7 in different areas of Oaxaca, Chiapas and Michoacán, as well as perceptible earthquakes in Guerrero, especially in areas near San Marcos and OmetepecThese latter are part of a very active seismic environment linked to the interaction of the Cocos Plate with the North American Plate.
The detailed schedule provided by the Seismological Service includes, among other things, a Earthquake of magnitude 3.6, 13 km northeast of Ometepec (Guerrero) registered at 04 pm, followed a minute later, at 04:28, A Earthquake of magnitude 2.0 20 km southwest of Pichucalco (Chiapas)A few minutes later, at 04:35, a Earthquake of magnitude 3.4 23 km west of San Marcos (Guerrero), and to the 04:47 a was detected magnitude 3.7 earthquake 17 km northeast of Unión Hidalgo (Oaxaca).
Despite this series of events, Mexican authorities have indicated that No material damage or injuries have been reported.Even so, they have insisted on the importance of Stay calm, review civil protection plans, and consult only official information.especially on days with such continuous seismic activity as today.
Why are there so many earthquakes in Mexico?
The high frequency of earthquakes in the country is explained by its particular geographical location on several tectonic platesMexico is situated on the North American plate and is influenced by interaction with others such as the Cocos Plate, Caribbean Plate, Pacific Plate, and Rivera PlateThe contact, collision, and subduction between these plates generates a constant release of energy in the form of earthquakes.
In the Pacific region, the The Cocos Plate subducts beneath the North American Platea process known as subduction, which is responsible for many of the earthquakes affecting states such as Guerrero, Oaxaca and ChiapasThis tectonic dynamic makes the Mexican Pacific coast an area of ​​high seismic hazard and explains why both moderate daily earthquakes and larger earthquakes occur on certain occasions.
In addition to subduction, there are internal geological faults in Mexican territory that can generate movements inland, far from the coast. This contributes to the country's seismic map showing a wide variety of epicenters, from the south to the central region and even the north, although less frequently.
For specialists, the fact that they are being recorded numerous low-magnitude earthquakes This is part of the normal behavior of this tectonic zone. These movements serve as a mechanism for the continuous release of stress, although they do not rule out the possibility of future occurrences. major events that require a more intense response from the authorities and the population.
Is it possible to predict earthquakes?
Despite technological development and advances in geophysical research, the scientific community agrees that Earthquakes cannot be predicted with accuracyNeither in Mexico nor in other parts of the world has the ability to reliably predict the day, time, and exact location of an earthquake been demonstrated with scientific backing and practical utility.
Specialized organizations, such as the National Seismological Service in Mexico or seismological centers in other countries, focus on continuously monitor seismic activity and analyze patternsHowever, this does not imply an exact prediction. What is possible is to estimate. areas with higher seismic probability in the medium and long term, based on historical records, local geology and the behavior of tectonic plates.
As a complementary tool, some countries have early warning systems These systems detect an ongoing earthquake and send warnings seconds before the most destructive waves reach populated areas. Those seconds can be crucial for stopping trains, cutting off critical supplies, or allowing people to seek a relatively safe place, although they are not a prediction in the strictest sense.
The general conclusion of the scientific community is that, given the impossibility of predicting earthquakesThe best strategy involves strengthening the preparedness of the population, improving construction standards, and maintaining clear and up-to-date protocols for action in the face of any eventuality.
How is the magnitude of earthquakes measured today?
For decades it became popular Richter scale or local magnitude (Ml) as a reference for measuring the strength of earthquakes. This scale, developed in 1935, allowed for a quick estimation of magnitude, especially in the case of relatively weak or moderate tremorsHowever, it presents a significant problem: It becomes saturated for large earthquakesso it does not distinguish well between very intense earthquakes.
For this reason, the preferred method is currently the moment magnitude scale (Mw), introduced in the late seventies. This measure is based on the seismic momentThat is, in the energy actually released by the fault movement, and it is much more reliable for events of magnitude greater than 6.9, where the Richter scale ceases to be accurate.
In seismological reports from different countries, such as those prepared by the National Seismological Center (CSN) in Chile or by the SSN itself in Mexico, it is common to find different references alongside the magnitude, such as Ml, Mw or MwwLocal magnitude (Ml) is still used for quick initial estimates, moment magnitude (Mw) is the standard reference for assessing the energy of large earthquakes, and the so-called W-phase (Mww) uses long period waves —between 200 and 1000 seconds— to refine the calculation in large earthquakes.
In the European and Spanish context, although seismicity is generally lower than in Mexico, the Geological and seismological services use the same international criteria, also relying on the magnitude of the moment to characterize the most significant events and ensure a homogeneous comparison on a global scale.
Civil protection recommendations in the event of an earthquake
Civil protection authorities insist that, in the face of recurring seismic activity like that recorded today in Mexico, the best tool is... preventionOne of the first measures consists of know the evacuation routes of the building or home and have identified beforehand a safe place inside the home, school, or workplace, such as under a solid table or next to structural walls away from windows.
It is also recommended to prepare a emergency kit Pack essential items: water, some non-perishable food, a flashlight, a portable radio, batteries, copies of important documents, and a small first-aid kit. Having these readily available and easily accessible allows you to react more quickly if a strong earthquake causes power outages or makes it difficult to evacuate your home.
During an earthquake, the main instruction is Stay calm as much as possible, protect your head and move away from objects that may fallsuch as lamps, tall shelves, or windows. If you are in a building, it is advisable to avoid using elevators both during and immediately after the movement, as they may become stuck or suffer damage to their mechanisms.
After the earthquake, it is important to carry out a quick assessment of potential damage in walls, ceilings, and gas or electrical connections. If you detect a gas odor, sparks, or significant cracks, the safest course of action is to evacuate and notify emergency services. Authorities recommend at all times Only follow information from official channels. to avoid rumors or fake news that could generate unnecessary alarm.
Today, December 26th, in Mexico leaves a panorama of Intense seismic activity but no serious consequenceswith more than forty low- and moderate-magnitude tremors concentrated mainly in the south of the country and a maximum recorded magnitude of 4.1 near Crucecita, in Oaxaca. In a territory situated on several tectonic plates and subject to constant monitoring, the combination of scientific monitoring, transparent information, and citizen preparedness It remains the key to living with earthquakes, both in Mexico and in other active regions of the world, including Europe.
