المملكة: No scientific evidence linking the pace of earthquakes to climate changes
Advanced seismic monitoring networks allow seismic locations accurately
There is a human condition that stimulates earthquakes such as excavation and dams
So far, earthquakes cannot be predicted accurately in terms of timing and location
Since the beginning of the year 2025, the world has witnessed hundreds of earthquakes per day, and perhaps it is not strange, but what is remarkable is the severity of these tremors and the diversity of their positions, as the world witnesses strong strikes that exceed 6 degrees on the Richter scale in Asia, South America and the Mediterranean, and this may be a geological indication of the change of the nature of the earth .
Although the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is considered one of the relatively low seismic activity, the earthquakes remain a complex natural phenomenon that requires continuous understanding and follow -up, especially in light of the escalating pace of earthquakes globally.
In this dialogue with Professor Dr. Badr bin Abdo Hakami, Dean of the College of Earth Sciences – and Secretary -General of the King Abdulaziz University Council, he spoke to “Today” about the causes and types of earthquake Specialized in monitoring seismic activity and awareness procedures to reduce potential risks, to the text of the dialogue:
Types of earthquakes
Earthquakes are classified based on their reasons for several types, most notably:
Dr. Badr bin Abdo Hakami, Dean of the College of Earth Sciences
1. Tektula earthquakes: the result of the movement of tectonic plates and their slide along the faults.
2. Volcanic earthquakes: caused by volcanic activity, where the movement of magma leads to the generation of vibrations.
3. Infredient earthquakes: result from human activities such as building dams or extracting natural resources.
Is there an actual increase? Do data and statistics indicate a real rise in the number of earthquakes and their global strength?
Studies indicate that the large number of earthquakes “with a strength of 7 degrees or more” has remained relatively fixed over the decades. However, increasing the media and modern technology contributed to increasing awareness and media coverage of earthquakes when they occur.
As for the earthquakes less in strength, there is a noticeable increase in it, and the causes of the human activity related to the incision of roads, construction and exploratory bombing, oil and gas extraction, and others.
What are the geological and natural causes that lead to earthquakes? Are there certain natural activities that increase the possibility of their occurrence?
Earthquakes occur mainly as a result of the movement of tectonic platelets, as these movements accumulate pressure on geological faults, and when these pressures are launched, earthquakes occur.
In addition, volcanic activity can lead to earthquakes as a result of the movement of magma under the surface.
Are there human activities, such as some types of construction or oil extracts, which may contribute to increasing the occurrence of earthquakes?
Yes, these earthquakes are known as “induced earthquakes”, and are caused by human activities such as: Damn building: The weight of the water held behind the dams can press the earth’s crust, which leads to desirable earthquakes, and also the extraction of oil and gas: It may lead to extracting large quantities of fuel Fossils or immersion of the liquid rocks to disturb the balance of the pressing forces on the earth’s crust, and then earthquakes.
Seismology and climate change
To date, there is no strong scientific evidence linking climate change with increased seismic activity.
Earthquakes are mainly caused by geological processes inside the Earth, while climatic changes affect the surface layers and atmosphere.
How did earthquake monitoring devices evolve in recent decades? What are the modern technologies used?
Seismic monitoring devices have seen a great development, as they moved from simple mechanical devices to advanced digital systems. High allergic digital earthquake standards are now used, as well as networks of satellite and Internet connected stations, allowing the collection and analysis of data immediately and accurately.
What is the importance of developed seismic monitoring networks? How to help understand seismic activity and expect large earthquakes?
Advanced seismic monitoring networks allows the seismic sites accurately: which helps in understanding the distribution of seismic activity, also analyzing seismic activity patterns: to detect any changes in the {tonn may indicate larger possible earthquakes, and provide data for scientific research: to understand better geological processes Seismic causing.
How is seismic data analyzed to locate the earthquake, strength and depth? What are the challenges in analyzing this data?
Seismic data is analyzed through:
- Seismic wave registration: The stations are registered with the initial waves «P» and secondary “S”.
- Calvity Calculation: Between the arrival of the waves to the various stations to determine the location of the earthquake.
- Estimation of depth and strength: by analyzing the seismic wave capacity and the duration of their continuation.
One of the challenges facing analysts:
Interfering with environmental noise: such as human and traffic activities or other natural phenomena.
Lack of stations in some areas: which reduces the accuracy of location and depth.
Can earthquakes be predicted accurately? What are the efforts made to improve our ability to predict earthquakes?
To date, earthquakes cannot be predicted accurately in terms of timing and location. Scientific efforts focus on:
- Study of seismic patterns: to detect any prior signals.
- Monitoring geophysical changes: such as gas emissions or ground distortions.
- Sports models development: It helps in expecting sites most vulnerable to earthquakes based on previous information and patterns.
Seismic activity in the Kingdom
What is the date of seismic activity in the Kingdom? Are there any areas more vulnerable to earthquakes?
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia witnessed through its history several earthquakes, most notably:
- Mecca earthquake in 1710 AD: caused the collapse of the Yemeni corner with the honorable Kaaba.
- The earthquake of Aqaba in 1995: Its strength reached 7.3 on the Richter scale, and affected areas in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and Palestine.
- A free earthquake «Lonier» in 2009: Its strength reached 5.4 degrees, and signed north of Yanbu.
The western and northwestern regions of the Kingdom, especially those close to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba, are more vulnerable to seismic activity. Also, regions such as Al -Baha, Jazan, Asir, and the Eastern Region witnessed a seismic activity in different periods, but the Kingdom is considered a relatively safe state from the dangers of Zalall as it does not fall on any of the three main seismic belts in the globe, and on that, the possibility of a large earthquake will be Its strength is higher than 7 is very low.
Risk and faults in the Kingdom
What are the most important rifts and faults in Saudi Arabia? Is it active?
Among the most prominent rifts in the Kingdom:
- Red Sea Rift: The Arab plate spacing from the African plate, which leads to seismic activity along the western coast.
- Aqaba Bay: extends from the Red Sea to the north, and is part of the diverting Dead Sea rift system, which is active.
These rifts contribute to the seismic activity witnessed by the neighboring areas.
How do you compare the risk of earthquakes in Saudi Arabia to other countries in the region or around the world?
The risk of earthquakes in Saudi Arabia is low compared to countries located on the borders of active tectonic sheets, such as Japan or Türkiye. However, the western and northwestern regions of the Kingdom are more likely to seismic activity because of their proximity to active cracks.
What measures should be taken to reduce the risk of earthquakes in Saudi Arabia? Are there special construction laws?
To reduce the risk of earthquakes, it is recommended:
- Saudi Building Code application: focus on building design standards for seismic resistance.
- Promoting public awareness: through awareness and training programs on how to act during and after earthquakes.
- Development of emergency plans: for a quick response in the event of an earthquake.
The Saudi Geological Survey supervises monitoring seismic activity and providing the necessary recommendations.
What is the government’s role in monitoring and awareness of earthquakes? Are there emergency plans to deal with earthquakes?
The Saudi Geological Survey monitors seismic activity through a network of more than 250 monitoring stations spread throughout the Kingdom. The authority also provides periodic reports and coordinated with the relevant authorities to develop emergency plans to deal with earthquakes.
What advice that the specialist can give to the public to increase awareness of the importance of understanding earthquakes and how to deal with them?
The public is advised to:
- Learn safety procedures: such as shelter under a durable table during the earthquake.
- Preparing an emergency bag: Contains basic supplies.
- Follow up on updates from official sources: such as the Saudi Geological Survey Authority.
- Participation in awareness and training programs: Available in society.
Increased awareness and knowledge of safety procedures contributes to reducing risks and preserving lives and property.
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