A 4.5 Magnitude Quake Rattles Northern Thailand: The Mae Tha Fault Strikes Again
Strong 4.5-magnitude earthquake shakes Chiang Mai, resonating across five neighboring regions.
On Monday afternoon, an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 on the Richter scale shook the northern Thai province of Chiang Mai. The tremors were felt in multiple districts of not just Chiang Mai, but also in nearby provinces like Lampang, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, and Phayao.
The Department of Mineral Resources reported that the quake occurred one kilometer under the surface of tambon Mae Pang, Phrao district, Chiang Mai, at 2.07pm. Despite its relatively moderate size, the department categorized the earthquake as "light." They attributed the quake to movement along the Mae Tha fault line.
The Mae Tha fault line, an active fault system in northern Thailand, is known for causing shallower earthquakes in the region. This particular fault stretch spans approximately 100 kilometers, featuring both normal and lateral movements that contribute to the seismic activity.
The epicenter of the recent earthquake was in Phrao district, with tremors felt beyond Chiang Mai's borders, reaching districts like Chiang Dao, Doi Saket, Fang, Mae Ai, Mae Taeng, Mae Wang, Muang, San Sai, and Saraphi. The quake's effects were also felt in Koh Kha district, Lampang, Muang district, Lamphun, Pai district, Mae Hong Son, and Dok Kham Tai district, Phayao.
While the Mae Tha fault line is linked to notable geological features such as hot springs, indicating active tectonic processes, it has been a persistent source of seismic activity in the region. Historical studies by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) in 1980 documented the fault's activity, further underscoring its role in causing seismic events in the region.
As the Mae Tha fault line remains active, residents in the affected provinces are encouraged to stay informed and be prepared for future quakes. It is crucial to understand the potential risks and take necessary precautions to minimize harm during such events.
The quake's cause was traced to the Mae Tha fault line, an active fault system in northern Thailand, which is associated with both environmental science and geographical features such as hot springs. This seismic activity in the region, evidenced further by historical studies conducted by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) in 1980, is not exclusive to weather-related phenomena but also includes movements in the earth's crust, a key concept in the field of environmental science.
