The seismic sensors initially detected the event originating near an island located between Madagascar and Africa, which triggered alarm bells to ring in faraway places such as Chile, New Zealand, and Canada. Additionally, the “incident” was also reported in Hawaii, which is situated on the opposite side of the globe.
No one is aware of what it was.
Seismologist Göran Ekström from Columbia University commented that he had not seen anything like the recent seismic activity, but this does not necessarily imply that the underlying cause is particularly unusual.
The mysterious seismic activity is centered around the small island of Mayotte, situated between Africa and Madagascar, which has experienced a series of earthquakes since May. While most of these earthquakes have been small, the one that occurred on May 8 was the largest recorded on the island, with a magnitude of 5.8. However, before the enigmatic ringing was detected earlier this month, the seismic swarm had already started to diminish.
The cause of the mysterious ringing remains unknown, and scientists have put forward various theories, including the possibility of a meteorite impact, an underwater volcano, or an atomic test. Further research and investigation are needed to uncover the true cause of this seismic activity and to understand its implications for the region and the world as a whole.
The incident on November 11 was unusual, as noted by seismologist Göran Ekström, who specializes in atypical earthquakes. Rather than sounding like short, piercing “cracks,” it seemed as though the Earth was ringing like a bell, spreading with a low-frequency monotone.
During a typical earthquake, pulses of easily distinguishable seismic waves emanate from the point of slippage as rapid releases occur in the Earth’s crust. The first signal is typically primary waves, which are high-frequency compression waves that radiate in groups. This is followed by secondary waves, which are also high-frequency but tend to “wiggle” more. Finally, surface waves appear, which are deep, steady rumbles that can circle the Earth multiple times.
However, in the incident on November 11, no primary or secondary waves were found. This is noteworthy, as it deviates from the typical pattern of seismic activity and suggests that the cause of this event may be uncommon or unknown. Further research and investigation are necessary to understand the implications of this unusual seismic activity.
The only seismic activity detected on November 11 was a deep, resonant surface wave that did not behave like a typical earthquake’s surface wave. Instead of rumbling, it continued at a considerably cleaner frequency, almost like a melody.
The French Geological Survey suspects that a new volcano may be developing off the coast of Mayotte, the island at the center of this seismic activity. Although the island was created by volcanic activity, it has been dormant for over 4,000 years. The French believe that the strange ringing may have been generated by a movement of magma some 30 miles off the coast and deep underwater. This theory is supported by GPS sensors, which have detected that Mayotte has moved about 2 inches to the southeast in less than five months. Further research and monitoring of the area will be necessary to confirm this theory and to understand the potential impact of this volcanic activity on the region.
But it’s a poorly mapped region. Exactly what’s beneath the ocean can only be guessed at.
