Illustration of the Sumatran Earthquake Areas (IMAGE)

U.S. National Science Foundation

Illustration of the Sumatran Earthquake Areas

Caption

Researchers found differences between the rocks in the regions where the 2004 and 2005 Sumatran earthquakes occurred. In the southern part of the region where the 2004 earthquake occurred, the earthquake rupture began closer to shore and did not reach as far seaward. Comparatively, the 2005 earthquake ruptured farther seaward beneath a thick wedge of compacted sedimentary rocks. These differences help explain why the 2004 earthquake and ensuing tsunami were more severe than subsequent events in 2005.

Credit

Nicolle Rager Fuller, National Science Foundation

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