Caribbean Earthquakes More Likely at Night, Alarming New Study Reveals Urgent Need for Research

A recent scientific study released by the National Seismological Research Center (CENAIS) has revealed a concerning pattern: earthquakes in the Caribbean are statistically more likely to strike during the night. This unsettling discovery coincided with a powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake that hit eastern Cuba on December 23, raising alarm among residents and emphasizing the urgent need to deepen our understanding of the factors that contribute to seismic events in the region. Traditionally, it has been accepted that earthquakes occur randomly, devoid of any correlations to climatic conditions or time of day. However, the comprehensive analysis conducted by CENAIS, which examined data from 1970 to 2019 across various Caribbean locations—such as eastern Cuba, Puerto Rico, and parts of Colombia—has challenged this notion. The data indicates a significant increase in seismic activity during nighttime hours, regardless of the magnitude of the quakes. Researchers have diligently ruled out several common explanations that might account for this nocturnal trend. The idea that “cultural noise,” stemming from reduced human and vehicular activity at night, influences earthquake frequency has been discounted. Similarly, the possibility of controlled explosions affecting the data has also been dismissed. Notably, the pattern was observed even in moderate earthquakes that are detectable irrespective of external conditions. An intriguing hypothesis put forth by the study suggests that the increased likelihood of nighttime earthquakes may be linked to disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field. These disturbances generate electrical currents, particularly those induced by solar winds in the ionosphere, which may act as “triggers” for seismic events in regions rich in piezoelectric minerals, such as quartz. The researchers likened this mechanism to the way a gentle shake can hasten the fall of a ripe fruit from a tree, indicating that while these currents do not directly cause earthquakes, they may influence the timing of their occurrence. The implications of this study extend beyond the Caribbean, with similar patterns observed throughout the intertropical region, which spans between 23.4 degrees north and south latitude. In these areas, the orientation and variation of the geomagnetic flow appear to play a significant role in the hourly modulation of seismic activity. While the authors of the report have laid the groundwork for understanding this phenomenon, they emphasize that further research is essential to unravel the intricate mechanisms at play. Such investigations are particularly crucial for regions like the Caribbean, where seismic threats are a persistent concern. Improved understanding could lead to better prediction models and enhanced preparedness measures for natural disasters. The recent 6.1 magnitude earthquake in eastern Cuba underscores the relevance of this study and the pressing need for effective early warning systems to mitigate the impact of such seismic events on vulnerable populations. Following the earthquake, reports emerged of landslides and fallen rocks in Babujal, located in the Guamá municipality of Santiago de Cuba. This incident came on the heels of two significant earthquakes of magnitudes 6.0 and 6.7 that occurred in November, south of Pilón in Granma, which had already triggered over 8,000 aftershocks, with 137 being distinctly noticeable. In light of these developments, CENAIS has encouraged the public to remain vigilant and informed through official channels regarding seismic activity in the region. The recent findings serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of earthquakes and the importance of ongoing research and preparedness to safeguard communities from their potentially devastating effects.