The Indian government recently announced plans to bolster its seismic detection capabilities over the next five years. The nation is aiming to establish a total of 35 new earthquake observatories by the end of 2021 and an additional 100 observatories by 2026. This decision was publicized during the inauguration of the Joint Scientific Assembly of the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy (IAGA) and International Association of Seismology and Physics of the Earth Interior (IASPEI).
About the New Earthquake Observatories
The National Center for Seismology, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is the primary agency within the Indian Government that oversees earthquake monitoring. Currently, India has 115 earthquake observatories in operation.
The critical role of these observatories is to forecast earthquakes accurately. By predicting when an earthquake might occur, measures can be put in place to mitigate the potential damage it may cause.
The Need for Increased Earthquake Monitoring
Earthquakes are an unpredictable natural phenomenon beyond human control. However, their impact can be managed effectively through prevention and preparedness. The Indian subcontinent is one of the world’s most disaster-prone areas, frequently experiencing natural calamities such as earthquakes, landslides, floods, cyclones and tsunamis.
Introduction to IAGA and IASPEI
The IAGA and IASPEI are international scientific organizations that are semi-autonomous associations under the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG). Founded in 1919, the IUGG is a non-governmental scientific organization with its Secretariat based in Potsdam, Germany.
The IAGA encourages scientists to conduct research on magnetism and aeronomy of the Earth, other planets and their interactions with interplanetary mediums. Meanwhile, the IASPEI promotes studies on earthquakes, seismic waves, and the Earth’s internal properties and processes.
Significance of the Joint Scientific Assembly
The Joint Scientific Assembly of IAGA and IASPEI encourages international collaboration in studying Earth’s physical properties. It will also serve as a platform for researchers and practitioners worldwide to work on problems related to science and society.
Understanding Earthquakes in India
Earthquakes result from the shifting of tectonic plates in the Earth’s crust. With seven major plates and several minor ones continuously moving over the Earth’s interior, earthquakes are a common occurrence. Urbanization, unscientific construction and natural resource exploitation have exacerbated the frequency of earthquakes in India.
According to seismic zoning mapping, India is divided into four zones (2, 3, 4 and 5) based on the predicted intensity of earthquakes. Zone 2 is the least prone to earthquakes, while Zone 5 has the highest seismic hazard. Almost 59% of India’s land area is under moderate to severe seismic hazard warning, predisposing it to earthquakes of magnitude 7 or greater.
Over the years, the Indian subcontinent has experienced several devastating earthquakes, including those in Shillong (1897), Bihar-Nepal (1934), Assam (1950), Bhuj (2001), Kashmir (2005), Sikkim (2011) and Manipur (2016).
