In the 20th century (period of 100 years) there were 422 earthquakes and in the 21st century (period of 9 years) there are already 361 earthquakes. Is this an omen for 2012? For details, see http://earthquake.usgs.gov/2012/natuurphenomena
Answer
As you can read on the attached USGS website, there is certainly no global increase in seismic activity on Earth. Certainly the medium and heavy earthquakes remain constant in number throughout the period of instrumental measurement of earthquakes (roughly speaking, the last century).
Why might we have the impression that the number is increasing?
Firstly, because our measuring instruments are always improving and that we are registering more and more earthquakes – also in uninhabited areas. And on the other hand because earthquakes are increasingly in the news because more and more people on Earth can be affected by earthquakes.
So nothing special to worry about.
And forget about the “hassle” around 2012!
Answered by
Professor Manuel Sintubin
Tectonics Geodynamics Earthquake Geology Earthquake Archaeology
Old Market 13 3000 Leuven
https://www.kuleuven.be/
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