Unlike events in California or Japan, which occur at plate boundaries, intracratonic earthquakes happen within the stable interior of a continent. They are much rarer but can be surprisingly damaging because the crust in these areas is often rigid and can transmit seismic waves over vast distances. 2. The Impact of the 2007 Event
Most earthquakes happen at the edges of tectonic plates, where landmasses grind against or dive under one another. However, the 4.9 mb event in Minas Gerais serves as a critical case study for "intraplate" seismic activity. 1. What is an "Intracratonic" Earthquake? (4.9 MB)
Researchers continue to study the Caraíbas–Itacarambi earthquake to improve hazard maps for Brazil. Understanding these "sleeping" faults helps in: Unlike events in California or Japan, which occur
The epicenter was near Itacarambi, in the São Francisco Craton area. The Impact of the 2007 Event Most earthquakes
Ensuring infrastructure can withstand rare but possible tremors.
The 4.9 mb Caraíbas–Itacarambi Earthquake: A Rare Intracratonic Event
Identifying where stress might be building within the South American Plate.