| Keywords | Description |
|---|---|
| Seismic Risk | The potential danger of earthquakes occurring in a region. |
| Search and Rescue | The coordinated process of locating, providing initial medical aid to and retrieving people trapped or injured during a disaster. |
| Distant Faults | Fractures in the Earth’s crust located far from an earthquake’s epicenter that can occasionally experience stress changes from passing seismic waves. |
This week, a strong earthquake in Colombia worried many people in Mexico. They wondered if the Pacific Ring of Fire would trigger another big quake in their country. However, experts say that is unlikely. Mexico always faces a seismic risk, but Colombia’s recent 7.4-magnitude temblor does not mean Mexico will have one soon.
The Colombian Geological Service said it was the strongest quake in Colombia this century. By Tuesday, more than 200 people had died, and rescue teams were still searching for survivors. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum offered help to Colombia, pending a formal request from the country’s leaders.
Mexico is ready to send 255 military members for search and rescue, along with supplies like satellite phones, tools and food. Both Mexico and Colombia sit along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a massive area known for earthquakes and volcanoes. This ring stretches 25,000 miles, passing through many countries including Japan and New Zealand.
Why Colombia’s earthquake is not predictive of one in Mexico
The recent quake in Colombia happened when the Nazca and South American plates moved against each other. In Mexico, the main threat comes from the Cocos Plate sliding beneath the North American Plate. This movement drives Mexico’s earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Even though seismic waves can sometimes trigger distant faults, scientists cannot predict an earthquake in Mexico based on Colombia’s quake. Tectonic plates are always moving and releasing stress at different times and locations.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Recent | Reciente |
| Rescue | Rescate |
| Volcanoes | Volcanes |
Time to discuss
- Why do you think earthquakes happen more in some parts of the world than others?
- How do countries help each other during natural disasters?
- What are some ways people can prepare for an earthquake?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph:
- What is the Pacific Ring of Fire, and why is it important?
- How do tectonic plates affect the occurrence of earthquakes?
