A powerful earthquake in Chile defied expectations. The magnitude 7.4 quake struck northern Chile near Calama in July 2024. Scientists now believe a hidden, deep-seated force supercharged the event.

The quake originated far deeper than typical Chilean megathrust earthquakes. It tore through hotter rock layers than previously thought possible. This unexpected rupture was fueled by a rare, heat-driven chain reaction. The University of Texas at Austin led the research into this phenomenon.

The shaking damaged buildings and disrupted power. The earthquake's unusual depth amplified its impact at the surface. Researchers are now re-evaluating models of deep earthquake behavior.

Chile is located in a highly seismic zone. The country is known for experiencing some of the world's largest earthquakes. The 1960 magnitude 9.5 quake remains the strongest ever recorded.

Future research will focus on identifying other regions with similar deep-seated forces. This could improve earthquake hazard assessments worldwide. Understanding these hidden mechanisms is crucial for predicting future seismic events.