Earthquakes Due to In-Situ Material Heterogeneity

Earthquake Measuring 4.0 on the Richter Scale Shakes Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR)

Unlike Himalayan earthquakes caused by plate tectonics, this earthquake was an intra-plate event, triggered by "in situ material heterogeneity."
The tremors were more intense due to the epicenter, located within Delhi, and the earthquake’s shallow depth of 5 km.

Earthquakes Due to In-Situ Material Heterogeneity

• Definition: This refers to seismic activity caused by the natural variation in the physical properties of the Earth’s crust, such as rock type and the presence of fluids in rock pores.
• Formation: Variations in physical properties (heterogeneities) lead to stress concentration, which can eventually trigger earthquakes.
• Influence on Faults: ‘In-situ heterogeneity’ causes stress buildup in fault zones, increasing the likelihood of seismic events.
• Seismic Zone: Delhi is located in seismic zone IV on India's seismic zoning map, the second-highest risk level in the country.

Why is Delhi Earthquake-Prone?

• Delhi lies near the Indian-Eurasian Plate collision zone, with the Indian Plate moving northward at 5 cm per year, which generates stress along fault lines.
• Fault Systems: The Delhi-Haridwar Ridge is an extension of the Indian Plate, while the Aravalli Fault System is a deep-seated geological structure, both contributing to intra-plate tremors.
• Indo-Gangetic Plain: Delhi-NCR is built on soft alluvial soil, which amplifies seismic waves.

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