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Maharashtra Reports Earthquake Swarm
Maharashtra reports a spate of small earthquakes that seismologists describe as an earthquake swarm. The news highlights the defining features of earthquake swarms and a hydro-seismic cause linked to monsoon rainfall in Deccan basalt fractures.
Earthquake Swarm :
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Occurs when multiple seismic events of comparable intensity strike a small area in relatively quick succession. |
| Key features | Comprises a series of many, sometimes thousands, low-intensity shallow earthquakes at <10 km depth, without a discernible main shock. |
| Duration and setting | Can occur over weeks in active geothermal areas. |
| Hydro-seismic cause | Monsoon rainfall seeps into Deccan basalt fractures, building pore-fluid pressure that weakens fault resistance and triggers repeated, low-intensity energy. |