Mid-Atlantic Ridge earthquakes spark fears of seismic chain reaction

Two powerful earthquakes struck the Mid-Atlantic Ridge on October 13, occurring less than seven hours apart. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded a magnitude 6.9 earthquake at 8:23 a.m. ET, following a magnitude 6.7 earthquake that hit approximately 50 miles away along the geological boundary between the South American and African tectonic plates.

Geophysicist Stefan Burns has suggested these tremors could be part of a seismic ‘chain reaction’ or ‘knock-on effect’ involving interconnected tectonic plates. Burns noted that recent significant seismic activity in Colombia, Venezuela, and Panama may indicate seismic stress moving through the region. He expressed concern that this progression could eventually impact North American fault systems, including those in California.