On November 11th, seismic devices around the world registered an unusual event. However, what lies behind this presumed geological activity remains a mystery to geologists. On that day, a mysterious event shook the planet, recorded by seismographs worldwide. Yet, no classic earthquake or underwater earthquake occurred at that time. Until today, geologists worldwide are puzzled about the origin of the seismic activity. Although the secret of the global disturbance’s origin remains guarded, geophysicists were able to identify the location of the event. They discovered a connection with a series of seismic events recorded in the region around the Mayotte archipelago in the western Indian Ocean in recent months.
The heaviest earthquake, with a value of 5.8 on the Richter scale, was measured on May 15th, 2018, near the Mozambique Channel between Madagascar and the African mainland. This earthquake was the strongest ever recorded in the so-called Comoros Basin. Previous analyses by experts from around the world show that neither the earthquake series nor the seismic disturbance on November 11th can be explained solely by plate movement. Therefore, geologists do not rule out volcanic activity, as such swarm earthquakes usually occur when magma rises in the vicinity. The volcanoes in the surrounding region have been inactive for more than 4,000 years. One theory to explain the seismic events is that a new magmatic center is forming deep beneath the seabed, which may also revive the regional volcanoes in the future.
According to earthquake expert Göran Ekström from Columbia University in New York, “I have never seen anything like this before.” The mystery of the seismic activity’s origin continues to baffle geologists worldwide. While the cause remains unknown, the identification of the location of the event provides a starting point for further research. The possibility of volcanic activity raises concerns about the potential impact on the surrounding region, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and research.
