Earthquakes in Morocco

What are the causes of Earthquakes in Morocco?

a) Situated at the convergence of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates

b) Due to the actively rising Atlas Mountain.

c) Both

Answer: c) Both

Enrich your learning:

About Earthquakes in Morocco:

• An earthquake with a moment magnitude of 6.8–6.9 has hit Morocco, it is called the Morocco earthquake of 2023 or Marrakesh-Safi earthquake.
• The epicentre of the earthquake was located 73.4 km from Marrakesh.
• At least 2,960 deaths were reported, with most occurring outside Marrakesh.

Reasons of Earthquakes in Morocco:

• Tectonic Plate Boundaries: Morocco is situated at the convergence of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates. The interactions along the boundaries of these plates can generate seismic activity.
• Subduction Zones: In some areas, the Eurasian plate is subducting beneath the African plate, leading to stress and eventual release of energy in the form of earthquakes.
• Fault Systems: Morocco has several active fault systems, such as the North African Fault System and the Rif Mountain Faults, which can generate earthquakes when the accumulated stress is released along these fault lines.
• Rift Zones: Rift zones, like the Atlas Mountains, are prone to seismic activity as the Earth’s crust is stretched and pulled apart, causing earthquakes.
• Intraplate Stress: Even within the interior of tectonic plates, there can be localized stress buildup and release, leading to earthquakes in regions that are not directly along plate boundaries.

Why in news?

An earthquake with a moment magnitude of 6.8–6.9 and maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent) struck Morocco’s Marrakesh–Safi region.