Earthquake in the Krasnodar Territory August 7, 2016. History of earthquakes in the Krasnodar Territory

The highest index of seismic risk in the territory of Russia, according to scientists, is the Krasnodar Territory. Such data for people inhabiting the Kuban are not very joyful. After all, about 28 districts of this region fall into the risk zone. It has about 4 million Kuban residents (the total population is 5 million).

If we turn to history, we can state with certainty that the earthquake in the Kuban is quite a phenomenon.

Since 1973, 130 tremors have been recorded here, the strength of which was 4 points or more. Earthquakes with a score of 7 points in the Kuban occurred about once every 11 years, and 6 points were repeated every 5 years. Each year around 240-270 tremors with an amplitude of 3 points are recorded in the region.

When is the last significant earthquake recorded? August 7, 2016, as evidenced by official sources.

The reasons for the unfavorable seismic background in the Kuban

According to scientists, since 1980 any earthquake in Krasnodar is caused by accumulation of excessive stress, which can provoke tremors. Confirmation of this hypothesis is the earthquake that occurred in 2014 in Karachaevo-Cherkessia and Dagestan.

Taking into account the statement of the researchers, the Governor of Kuban Alexander Tkachev issued an official resolution on increasing the level of stability in buildings in settlements where seismic instability is noted. It was primarily about resort cities such as Anapa, Gelendzhik, Tuapse, Sochi, Novorossiysk. Among them was the capital Krasnodar. Here houses were built in the light of the fact that they will withstand the earthquake by force of 3-4 points. At present, there is a problem of strengthening buildings, which will require significant monetary investment. It has already been decided that the state will allocate about 5 billion rubles for these purposes.

It should also be noted that if the worst assumptions of scientists are justified, then about 98% of buildings may suffer from earthquakes in the Kuban.

General data on earthquakes

Earthquakes of strong amplitude are considered to be a disaster and according to the number of deaths they give way only to typhoons. The natural phenomenon of destructiveness is several times ahead of volcanic eruptions. The material damage from one major cataclysm can amount to several hundred million dollars. Most often, earthquakes of medium amplitude occur. According to researchers, of the hundreds of thousands of such natural phenomena, only a few have catastrophic consequences. They contribute to the release of approximately 1020 J of potential seismic energy, which is 0.01% of the Earth's thermal energy emitted into space.

A few figures and theory

The earthquake centers are located at a depth of 700 km, but most of the seismic energy is generated in the foci, which are at a depth of 70 km. The size of the source of large earthquakes can be equal to 100x1000 km. Its location and the beginning of the movement of the masses (hypocentre) are determined by the registration of seismic waves that occur during the tremors. In earthquakes of small amplitude, the focus and the hypocentre will coincide.

Epicenter is the projection of the hypocentre on the surface. Around it is an area in which there are major disruptions (epicentral or pleistoseist).

Intensity of earthquakes

The intensity of earthquakes on the surface of the earth is measured by points and depends on the depth of the focus and the magnitude of the tremors, which serves as a measure of the energy of the earthquake. The maximum value of magnitude is 9 points.

The magnitude depends on the total energy of the earthquake, but this relationship is not direct. It is logarithmic. With increasing magnitude per unit, energy also increases by 100 times.

How often does the Kuban shake?

Kuban is located in the zone of increased seismic activity. How often do earthquakes occur in the Krasnodar Territory? The statistics of our days indicate that there are about 300 small shocks per year.

Residents complain that the chandeliers are shaking in the house, the dishes are ringing. But in the vast majority of cases, citizens do not even suspect about fluctuations. This is explained by the fact that the force of the shocks is not so high, and they are fixed only by seismological instruments.

Seismic activity

The history of earthquakes in the Krasnodar Territory has many cases.

The facts describing the cataclysms that occurred in this area in the 4th century BC came down to us. E. Historian Flegont Tralischi in his work "On the earthquakes of Theopom Sinopsky" was written about the tremors that occurred in Boepor (today's Taman peninsula). According to the author, in a sudden earthquake, one of their hills was cut in half, and huge bones erupted from it.

In 417 AD Paul Orozil in the "Outline of World History" wrote that during this period, King Mithridates celebrated the celebration of Ceres in Boepor. Suddenly, very strong tremors began. They contributed to the destruction of many cities and fields. Presumably, the strength of this earthquake was 7 points.

On the Taman Peninsula, a major volcanic eruption occurred in Kukuoba, which was followed by an earthquake. This event occurred on March 10, 1793. The natural cataclysm caused the destruction of the tomb of the king of the imperial king Satire I.

The earthquake in the Krasnodar Territory was recorded by the catalog of the Russian Empire, containing all kinds of data on this cataclysm. At 19:00 in Ekaterinodar (Krasnodar) there were two powerful thrusts that were felt throughout the Kuban region. This happened on September 19, 1799. On the Azov Sea, just opposite Temryuk, a new island was formed. His appearance contributed to a major explosion, which caused a thick smoke and fire. The strength of the earthquake was 5 points.

Powerful tremors with an amplitude of 7 points shook cities such as Ekaterinodar, Kizlyar and Mineralnye Vody. It happened on March 9, 1830 at 13:10. In the same year, November 22 at 9:00, an earthquake with an amplitude of 8 points was recorded. Underground tremors were felt in such places as Anapa and Taman peninsula. Partly destroyed fortifications.

The earthquake in the Krasnodar Territory was recorded in February 1834 as well. It was distinguished by a short duration. It lasted about 3 seconds. We fixed it in the Anapa and Black Sea areas. Soil swings spread to the mouth of the Kuban River. The dilapidated buildings of the fortifications were rendered unfit for use. Underground pushes were preceded by noise in the air, which emanated from the mountains in the direction from east to west and was reflected from the sea by a special buzz.

As a result of the strong earthquake, which was 7 points, in some of the old buildings in Anapa, the corners broke and the pipes fell from the stoves. It occurred on December 26, 1842. The duration of the tremors was 3 seconds. The fluctuations of the earth were felt in the Nikolayevskaya and Vityazevskaya stanitsa, the Dzhemetei fortification and the fortress of Rayevsky.

During the 18th century, more than 20 tremors with an amplitude of 8 points were recorded in the North Caucasus region. On the territory of the Kuban, areas with increased seismic activity include Anapa and Sochi. Over the last two centuries, 10 earthquakes with strength of 7 points were recorded in these cities.

Anapa and Novorossiysk characterize the concentration of fault crossing zones. They stretch along the coastline, located in the Caucasus. Here lies the western region of the meganticlinorium of the Greater Caucasus. It is divided into two parts - the northern and the western. The complexity and contrast of the geological situation provokes the appearance of tremors of a strong amplitude, greater than in other areas of this region located on the coast. A detailed study of the neotectonic situation in this area indicates that not so long ago there were earthquake-destroying forces of at least 9 points. For example, the Arkhipo-Osipov earthquake. His strength was 7 points. Major devastation was not observed in Novorossiysk.

The last earthquake in the Krasnodar Territory occurred in Novorossiysk on August 24, 1992. His strength was 5 points. In addition, on the territory of the city the most active seismic points scientists recognized the Grushovaya beam and Abrau-Dyurso.

It should be noted that the earthquake in Krasnodar, whose strength was 8 points, is a rarity. Although in this zone there are always mountain-forming processes.

An earthquake measuring 3.5 points occurred in the Kuban on August 25, 2015. The epicenter was the sea. From the beginning of October 2014 shook twice. No destruction was noted. Exactly one year later, on August 7, 2016, it repeated. And, fortunately, also was not destructive.

The last earthquake that occurred in the Kuban

Was there an earthquake this year in Kuban? 7.08.2016 - the date, which was marked by an earthquake in the area of Yeisk. Ground tremors were recorded at 11:15. The epicenter of the earthquake was Ukraine (Mariupol district). According to US geological reports, the amplitude of the shock was 4.8 points. The vibrations of the earth were quite palpable. They were felt by the residents of Yeisk, Scherbinovsky and Starominsky districts of the Krasnodar Territory, as well as the surrounding areas of the Rostov region.

The representative of the seismological station of Anapa said that the earthquake in Eisk (Krasnodar Territory) had spread waves to the city of Abinsk. According to him, in addition to this push, the instruments recorded weak fluctuations up to 3 points. Residents of cities such as Anapa, Krymsk, Gelendzhik and Novorossiysk also experienced an earthquake.

The natural cataclysm that took place on August 7, 2016, did not bring casualties and destruction. So reported the Kuban State Television and Radio Company.

Is it possible to predict an earthquake?

People have long been thinking about the problem of predicting tremors. Interest in this matter is extremely high. After all, an accurate forecast will save a lot of human lives. Due to the many uncertainties associated with this natural disaster, it is extremely difficult to predict its beginning.

Nevertheless, scientists from different countries do not give up hope of finding methods that allow one to foresee the process. The material obtained as a result of experiments is continuously collected and systematized. The work is carried out in laboratories and in nature.

What plays an important role in seismic zones?

In areas with increased seismic hazard, the construction of structures resistant to earthquakes plays an important role.

In Sochi there are experimental buildings that stand on mobile supports. They will not be able to destroy even the strong oscillation of the earth.

The division of the territory according to the degree of potential threat is part of the function of seismic zoning. It is based on historical data on the frequency of earthquakes, geological mapping, data on movements of the earth's crust and instrumental observations. Zoning is associated with earthquake insurance.

Work of the seismic service

Observations of the earthquakes are carried out by the seismic service. In the world there are more than 2000 stations, whose indicators are constantly published in seismological observations, summaries and catalogs. In addition to the stations, expedition seismographs are used, which are installed in the depths of the oceans. Such devices were sent even to the Moon, where five of them register up to 3000 tremors on the planet's surface every year. Also, the instruments were sent to Venus and Mars.

How does the seismic station work?

On the pedestal of concrete, which goes deep into the earth for one and a half meters, there are special sensors that fix the earth's oscillations. They are converted into an electrical signal and recorded in a seismological station. These data come directly to the computer. Analysis of them can only be done by a specialist. He can say about the magnitude of the tremors and determine their epicenter.

Are there any seismological stations in the Krasnodar Territory?

Such seismic stations exist. There are three in total. They are located in such cities as Sochi, Anapa and Krasnodar. These cities were chosen not by chance. This is how the territory is controlled in the center, as well as in the coastal zone. The earthquake in the Kuban is most often recorded in these areas.

Are the faint fluctuations of the earth dangerous?

Small in magnitude earthquakes do not carry any danger. Moreover, they are useful, since they help to relieve unnecessary tension in the ground. The accumulated energy is released step by step.

It should be noted that small in amplitude fluctuations, if they are repeated often for a short period of time, may indicate a looming large-scale catastrophe. But, according to scientists, major cataclysms happen once in 500 years. The last time the most powerful earthquake in the Krasnodar Territory was recorded in the XIX century.