Another light aftershock near Innsbruck: Earthquake service records tremor of magnitude 1.8

Aftershocks are a well-known phenomenon in seismology. Following a main earthquake, further, mostly weaker tremors can occur over days or even weeks. These arise because the rock re-adjusts along the fault plane. The magnitude of such subsequent quakes generally decreases over time.

Seismic activity in the Alpine region

The district of Innsbruck-Land and the surrounding area around Hall in Tirol lie in a region where tectonic stresses in the Alpine region regularly lead to measurable tremors. Even if severe damage is not to be expected from an earthquake of magnitude 1.8, Geosphere Austria documents every event in order to improve the data available for seismic research.

For the population in and around Innsbruck, the renewed quake is above all a reason for attentiveness, not for panic. Authorities recommend informing yourself about the rules of conduct in the event of an earthquake and following the official communications of the state government as well as of Geosphere Austria.

Information for the population

The measurement data is being incorporated into the ongoing analysis of the earthquake series. Should the activity intensify significantly in the coming days, experts consider a separate public information notice to be appropriate. So far, however, the records show the typical picture of a subsiding aftershock sequence.

Citizens who noticed the earthquake can submit their observations to the earthquake service via the official reporting channels. These reports help seismologists to better assess the actual impact of an earthquake on populated areas and to refine the models for future events.