Science News from research organizations Something hidden deep underground supercharged this Chile earthquake Date: January 1, 2026 Source: University of Texas at Austin Summary: A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck northern Chile in July 2024and it wasnt supposed to be that strong. Unlike Chiles infamous shallow megathrust quakes, this one ruptured deep inside the Earth, where shaking is usually weaker at the surface.
Researchers discovered that the quake broke long-held assumptions by tearing through hotter rock layers than expected, fueled by a rare chain reaction that accelerated the rupture. Share: Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIN Email FULL STORY A deep Chilean earthquake broke the rules, unlocking a hidden heat-driven force that made it far more powerful than expected.
Credit: Shutterstock In July 2024, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit near the city of Calama in northern Chile. The shaking damaged buildings and disrupted electrical power across the region.
Chile is no stranger to major earthquakes. The country experienced the strongest earthquake ever recorded in 1960, when a magnitude 9.5 megathrust event struck central Chile, triggering a massive tsunami and killing between 1,000 and 6,000 people.
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