المملكة: Gulf tremor is normal and seismic activity in the region is limited and does not cause concern

Prof. Dr. Badr Hakami, Dean of the College of Earth Sciences and Secretary General of the King Abdulaziz University Council, confirmed in “Today” that the earthquake that took place in the waters of the Arabian Gulf, east of the city of Jubail, and at a distance of about 66 km from the coast and reached 4.36 degrees on the Richter scale, yesterday evening, the Ruba, no concrete effects inside the Saudi lands, whether at the level to remember.
He pointed out that the region affected by the tremor is within the deep maritime domain in the Persian Gulf, away from the inhabited coastal areas.

Techton activity in the Gulf region

Dr. Hakami explained that the reason behind this tremor is due to the continuous tectonic activity in the Arab Gulf region.
He indicated that the sea floor in this area contains ancient geological cracks that are permanently exposed to stresses resulting from the movement of tectonic platelets, especially as a result of the continuous collision between the Arab plate and the Eurasian plate in the areas northeast of the Kingdom.
He added that these complex geological reactions may lead from time to time to energy liberation in the form of earthquakes whose strength ranges from light and medium, especially in areas near the borders of these plates.

Repeated tremors in the area

Dr. Hakami stressed that the occurrence of such tremors in the Arab Gulf region is a natural and expected matter from time to time, although the region in general is not classified as highly highly seismic activity.
He stressed that the current indicators are not anxiety, and that the possibility of repeating similar tremors in the future remains contained, but they are often with a very limited effect and do not pose an actual threat to the population or infrastructure in the Kingdom.
He concluded his speech by emphasizing that the Saudi Geological Survey continues to monitor seismic activity in the region and throughout the Kingdom with high accuracy and efficiency, through an integrated system of advanced seismic monitoring stations. He pointed out that the precautionary procedures and approved evaluation systems are able to monitor and evaluate any potential risks and reduce their effects, if any.