superquakes
Massive seismic events
Superquakes are earthquakes of extraordinary magnitude, typically above 9.0 on the Richter scale.
The term emphasizes scale beyond ordinary seismic events—the kind that trigger tsunamis, reshape coastlines, and cause catastrophic destruction across vast regions: The 2011 superquake off Japan's coast displaced the Earth's axis.
Also used loosely for any exceptionally powerful earthquake.
Massive subduction zone fault
- devastationSevere widespread destruction
- destructionAct of completely ruining
- tsunamiSeismic sea surge
- casualtiesThose killed or wounded
disaster · tragedy · evacuation · collapse · ruins · aftermath · fatalities · survivors
Size or scale
- epicenterPoint above seismic origin
- aftershocksTremors following main earthquake
- faultlineCrustal fracture zone
- seismographEarthquake measuring device
tectonics · subduction · lithosphere · seismicity · geophysics · seismology · hypocenter · P-waves
Rapid involuntary movement
- vibrationRapid oscillating movement
- joltAbrupt forceful shake
- shudderConvulsive trembling from fear
- oscillationRepeated back-and-forth movement
rumble · undulation · quiver · convulsion · rattling · swaying · rolling · intensity
megathrust
Massive subduction zone fault
- devastationSevere widespread destruction
- destructionAct of completely ruining
- tsunamiSeismic sea surge
casualties · disaster · tragedy · evacuation · collapse · ruins · aftermath · fatalities · survivors · humanitarian
magnitude
Size or scale
- epicenterPoint above seismic origin
- aftershocksTremors following main earthquake
- faultlineCrustal fracture zone
seismograph · tectonics · subduction · lithosphere · seismicity · geophysics · seismology · hypocenter · P-waves · S-waves
shaking
Rapid involuntary movement
oscillation · rumble · undulation · quiver · convulsion · rattling · swaying · rolling · intensity · duration
fault
Imperfection or blame
break · rift · breach · chasm · dislocation · tear · split · displacement · stress · strain
superquakesmicroearthquakes
Very small seismic events
microquakes · tremors · trembles · foreshocks · aftershocks