A moderate earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale occurred near the India-Bangladesh border on February 27, sending powerful tremors throughout Kolkata and several districts in South West Bengal. The tremors were felt at 1:22 PM IST and lasted for several seconds, causing panic among residents. Many individuals, particularly those in high-rise buildings, quickly evacuated to the streets as items like ceiling fans and furniture swayed. As of now, there have been no reports of significant casualties or major structural damage, although concerns have been raised regarding the seismic safety of the Bengal Basin.

Understanding the Epicenter

The epicenter of the earthquake, pinpointed to aid understanding of the event, was located near Satkhira in Bangladesh, approximately 26 kilometers southeast of Taki in West Bengal. This region is part of the Bengal Basin, characterized by layers of soft soil. When discussing earthquakes, the epicenter refers to the point on the Earth’s surface that is directly above where underground rocks break during seismic activities.

The Science of Earthquakes

The driving force behind such earthquakes can be attributed to the continued northward push of the Indian Plate into the Eurasian Plate at an approximate rate of five centimeters annually. This interaction generates significant pressure along fault lines, which can be considered as substantial fissures in the Earth’s crust. When the pressure becomes too excessive, the land adjacent to these cracks slips suddenly, inducing ground shaking.

Impact of Soil Composition

Geologists are currently focusing on the Sylhet Fault and the Eocene Hinge Zone, which represent major fault lines running through the Bengal Basin. In cases where these faults slip, they release energy in the form of seismic waves. A unique characteristic of Kolkata is its foundation on soft, water-saturated soil, as opposed to more solid rock formations. This soil type contributes to a phenomenon known as amplification. Essentially, the soft soil behaves like a megaphone, enhancing the intensity of seismic waves. As a result, the ground shaking in the city can feel 50 percent stronger compared to areas situated on harder rock surfaces.

Potential for Satellite Predictions

While accurately predicting the exact timing of an earthquake remains elusive, NASA employs satellite technology, including the Nisar radar, to monitor the stretching of the Earth’s surface. These satellites provide meticulous measurements of ground movement, allowing scientists to identify which fault lines experience the most stress. This information is particularly valuable for densely populated cities such as Kolkata due to a phenomenon known as liquefaction. During intense shaking, wet soil may lose its structural integrity, behaving like a liquid. If the ground were to become gelatinous, buildings could tilt or sink. Consequently, data collected from NASA satellites plays a crucial role in urban planning and preparation for these unseen hazards.

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