Can Hurricanes Cause Earthquakes?

Hurricanes and earthquakes are two of the most powerful natural disasters that can affect human populations. While they are distinct phenomena, some scientists have suggested that hurricanes may actually trigger earthquakes in certain circumstances. In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between hurricanes and earthquakes, and examine the evidence for and against the idea that hurricanes can cause earthquakes.

The Connection: Seismic Noise and Water

The primary mechanism by which hurricanes might trigger earthquakes is through the generation of seismic noise. Seismic noise is a type of vibration that can travel through the Earth’s crust and cause earthquakes. Hurricanes can generate massive amounts of seismic noise through several mechanisms:

1. Storm surge: During a hurricane, the storm surge (a rise in sea level caused by the storm) can increase pressure on the seafloor, causing the Earth’s crust to deform and generate seismic noise.
2. Wind and precipitation: Strong winds and heavy rainfall during a hurricane can also generate seismic noise through the movement of the atmosphere and the weight of water on the ground.
3. Ground deformation: As a hurricane approaches or makes landfall, the storm’s strong winds can cause the ground to deform, generating seismic noise.

Evidence for a Link

Several studies have suggested that hurricanes may be capable of triggering earthquakes. For example:

• A study published in the journal Nature in 2013 found that the passage of Hurricane Katrina over the Gulf of Mexico in 2005 triggered a swarm of earthquakes in the region.
• Another study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters in 2017 found that earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest were more likely to occur during periods of high seismic activity, which coincided with the passage of hurricanes through the region.

Limitations and Debunking the Link

While these studies suggest a potential link between hurricanes and earthquakes, other scientists have questioned the idea. For example:

• A study published in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters in 2019 found that the seismic noise generated by hurricanes is typically too small to trigger significant earthquakes.
• Another study published in the journal Journal of Geophysical Research in 2019 found that the Earth’s crust is too rigid to allow seismic noise to amplify significantly, making it unlikely that hurricanes could trigger earthquakes.

Conclusion

While the idea that hurricanes can cause earthquakes is intriguing, the scientific evidence is not yet conclusive. While some studies suggest a potential link, others have raised concerns about the limitations of the mechanisms by which hurricanes could trigger earthquakes.

In conclusion, while hurricanes may generate seismic noise and potentially trigger small earthquakes, the link between hurricanes and earthquakes is still a topic of ongoing research and debate. As scientists continue to study the complex relationships between natural disasters, we will likely gain a better understanding of the precise mechanisms by which hurricanes and earthquakes interact.