The following is a list of notable earthquakes or tremors that have been detected within South Africa.
According to Professor Andrzej Kijko from the University of Pretoria's Natural Hazard Centre, mining can activate natural faults. He believes that 95% of South Africa's earthquakes are caused by mining, especially around the areas of Klerksdorp, Welkom and Carletonville. According to earth science consultant Dr Chris Hartnady, "This part of Africa is in the vicinity of the African Rift system, which is being pulled apart by a few millimetres annually." He says "earthquakes are caused by a slip on a fault line and the release of stored elastic energy" and mining activity can trigger earthquakes.
Earthquake data
For earthquakes prior to the modern era, the magnitude and epicentre location are only approximate, and were calculated based on available reports from the time. The magnitude where given is measured using the Richter scale () unless stated otherwise.
1900s
2000s
See also
- Geology of South Africa
References
External links
- Council for Geoscience
- South Africa Earthquake Information – United States Geological Survey
- https://www.volcanodiscovery.com/earthquakes/south-africa/largest.html#:~:text=Quakes since 1900:,between magnitude 5 and 6
