Santiago, Chile Hit by 30 Years of Nonstop Underground Tremors
Scientists in Chile discovered that Santiago, the country's capital, has been experiencing continuous small earthquakes underground for 30 years. These microearthquakes form a cluster beneath the city that has never stopped shaking.
Researchers in Chile have identified something unusual beneath Santiago: a cluster of tiny earthquakes that has been going on nonstop for three decades. These microearthquakes are too small for most people to feel, but sensitive instruments can detect them.
Santiago is home to about 6 million people, making it one of South America's largest cities. The discovery helps scientists better understand earthquake activity in the region.
Chile has a long history of major earthquakes because it sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates meet. The country's most famous earthquake happened in 1960 near Valdivia, which was the strongest ever recorded worldwide. That quake triggered tsunamis that reached Hawaii, Japan, and other Pacific countries.
The northern part of Chile is desert where rain falls about once every 25 years, while the south has dense rainforests. This varied terrain affects how earthquakes spread and are detected across the country.
Millions of people live in Santiago, and understanding these constant tremors could help predict bigger earthquakes. Chile sits on major fault lines and has a history of devastating quakes that have killed thousands.
Scientists will continue monitoring the tremor cluster to understand what causes it and whether it signals future larger quakes.
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