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China Daily E-paper
From Overseas Press
Scientists say seismic surge is only a media theme
(Chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-04-16 17:39
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It might appear earthquakes are happening more frequently, but media attention, rather than a surge in seismic activity, could be the reason, Richard Luckett, a seismologist with the British Geological Survey, told the Guardian.
Earthquakes as large as the one that struck Qinghai happen somewhere in the world every few weeks, says Luckett quoted by the Guardian, "this is definitely not a spike", attention has instead been drawn to quakes recently by their "unusual severity and unfortunate geography".
The quakes in Chile and Haiti stunned the world, but Luckett said, "Both of those were very unusual, because of the size of the one in Chile, and the closeness to the capital city in Haiti. I think the press has tuned in as a result. But statistically there is nothing unusual going on."
Luckett pointed out that quakes "remain essentially random. You can't use one to predict when another will happen."
