Record-Breaking Marsquake Found Year: 2021
Discoverer: Thomas Zurbuchen
Location: The Planet Mars
On May 4, 2021, a magnitude 5 earthquake struck the surface of Mars, setting a new record for the largest earthquake ever recorded on a planet other than Earth. This event surpassed the previous record held by a magnitude 4.2 earthquake that occurred in August 2021.
Mars Experiences a 5.0-Magnitude Earthquake Source: @spacedotcom/Pinterest
When a magnitude 5.0 earthquake occurs on Mars, the implications are quite different from those on Earth. While seismic activity is a common occurrence on our planet and can lead to significant damage and disruption, Mars experiences these events without the same level of risk. Scientists have discovered that Mars is relatively calm in terms of tectonic activity, especially when compared to the more dynamic geological processes that shape Earth.
Mars's tectonic landscape is less active, which means that large earthquakes do not have the same destructive potential as they do on Earth. This relative stability allows researchers to study the planet's geological history without the interference of frequent, violent seismic events.
