Animation of Earthquake and Tsunami in Sumatra, with GPS

Animation of seismic cycle, showing subduction of oceanic tectonic plate and resulting deformation of upper continental tectonic plate. GPS data shows horizontal and vertical motion of ocean floor (steady motion throughout), island (gradually sinking, then suddenly popping up), shore (gradually rising, then suddenly sinking) and mainland (fixed in one position).

Category:

Education

Tags:

• earthquake
• tsunami
• Sumatra
• seismic cycle
• subduction
• GPS
• plate tectonics

[daverobertocarlos]

I guess then, that because the subduction process of the oceanic plate will continue to occur, in another 200 years or so, the same thing could well happen again?

[TectonicsObservatory]

Yes, the large earthquakes roughly occur in 250-year cycles.

[HowieRoLLz]

So....we all have 200 years, and 30 minutes to live. great. Set your ironman watches, people.