Shaking Ground: A Magnitude-3.8 Earthquake Rattles Sunbury and Melbourne

A Magnitude-3.8 Earthquake Rattles Sunbury and Melbourne

A magnitude-3.8 earthquake occurred in Sunbury, a town located west of Melbourne, creating tremors that were felt across the region. Despite the earthquake's strength, there have been no reports of significant damage or injuries.

Introduction

In the late evening of Sunday, at 11:41 pm, Sunbury and Melbourne residents experienced the unexpected arrival of an earthquake. Lasting only a few seconds, the earthquake made its presence known to those in central Melbourne, even though Sunbury is located approximately 40 kilometers northwest of the city.

The Timing and Impact of the Earthquake

The sudden earthquake took place during the late hours of Sunday, catching many off guard. Although its duration was short-lived, the impact was significant enough for residents in central Melbourne to feel the ground shaking beneath them. It was an unsettling experience for those who were present during the event.

Extent of the Earthquake's Impact

Despite the distance between Sunbury and Melbourne, the effects of the earthquake reverberated throughout the city's CBD. Reports of shaking buildings and the unsettling feeling among residents painted a picture of the quake's reach and intensity. People indoors could hear a sudden rush, resembling the sound of a passing train, while those outdoors were not spared from the tremors either.

Public Response and Reports

The earthquake triggered an immediate response from the public. Over 20,000 individuals in Sunbury alone reported feeling the earthquake to Geoscience Australia within hours of its occurrence. Furthermore, the tremor's impact extended beyond Melbourne, reaching as far north as Bendigo and as south as Hobart. The wide range of reports emphasized the significant scale of the earthquake.

Victorian SES chief operations officer, Tim Wiebusch, said that many people reported feeling the tremors, both indoors and outdoors. He acknowledged that the magnitude of 3.8 was strong enough to be widely felt across various locations, including Geelong, Ballarat, Seymour, and the Mornington Peninsula. However, despite the widespread sensation, there were no reports of damage to buildings or injuries caused by the earthquake.

Assessment of Damage and Infrastructure

Experts from Geoscience Australia provided insights into the impact and potential damage caused by the magnitude-3.8 earthquake. Seismologist Hugh Glanville stated that while the shaking was strong enough to travel a considerable distance throughout the region, it was not expected to cause significant damage to infrastructure. Glanville explained that minor damage typically occurs at around magnitude 4.5, resulting in plaster cracks and objects rattling on shelves. Therefore, it was reassuring to know that the earthquake's magnitude was below the threshold for causing such minor damage.

Despite the relative stability of structures, experts cautioned that aftershocks were possible in the coming days. While it was not guaranteed, subsequent smaller tremors often follow earthquakes of this magnitude. Therefore, residents were advised to remain vigilant and prepared for any potential aftershocks.

Expert Opinions and Historical Comparison

Adam Pascale, chief scientist at the Seismology Research Centre (SRC), suggested that the recent earthquake in Sunbury could potentially be the largest one to occur within the Melbourne metropolitan area in over a century. He referred to historical data and stated that the last earthquake above magnitude 4 in the metro area took place back in 1902. Pascale's assessment highlighted the significance of this recent seismic event and its rarity in the region.

Further insight was provided by Dee Ninis from the SRC, who explained that the earthquake was likely a shallow event. Shallow earthquakes produce seismic energy that reaches the surface, transforming into sound waves and resulting in a distinctive "boom" sound. This explained reports from individuals close to the epicenter who described hearing an explosion-like noise. The unique nature of shallow earthquakes added to the intrigue surrounding this particular seismic event.

Comparison to Previous Earthquakes in Melbourne

The recent earthquake in Sunbury evoked memories of a previous significant earthquake in Melbourne. In September 2021, the city experienced an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9. While the 2021 earthquake caused some damage, including on the famous Chapel Street shopping strip, its epicenter was located much farther east, near Woods Point, approximately 130 kilometers from Melbourne. This recent earthquake, with a magnitude of 3.8, occurred much closer to the city, making it particularly noteworthy.

It is important to note that Australia experiences a significant number of earthquakes each year, with an average of around 100 earthquakes of magnitude 3 or larger. However, earthquakes with magnitudes exceeding 5, such as the destructive Newcastle earthquake in 1989, occur approximately every one to two years. These statistics provide context to the relatively low magnitude of the recent Sunbury earthquake and its infrequency compared to more significant seismic events in the country's history.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the magnitude-3.8 earthquake that struck Sunbury and was felt across Melbourne left residents startled but fortunately caused no significant damage or injuries. The tremors were reported by thousands of individuals, indicating the extensive reach of the earthquake. Experts assured the public that the magnitude was unlikely to result in infrastructure damage. Nevertheless, the possibility of aftershocks was acknowledged, emphasizing the importance of remaining cautious in the days to come. This recent seismic event served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of earthquakes and the need to be prepared for such occurrences.