Chile Earthquake: Megathrust

Scientists who have been studying the catastrophic Chile earthquake say it is classified as the worst type of earthquake possible: a megathrust.

There are different classifications for earthquakes, depending on the type of seismic activity involved.

A megathrust involves a particular type of collision and grinding between various parts of the earth's crust.

Experts said this megathrust earthquake in Chile was similar to the quake that caused the horrible Tsunami 5 years ago.

Chile Earthquake: Megathrust
latimes

Scientists say the major earthquake that struck off the coast of Chile was a "megathrust" -- similar to the 2004 Indian Ocean temblor that triggered a catastrophic tsunami. Megathrust earthquakes occur in subduction zones where plates of the earth's crust grind and dive. Saturday's magnitude 8.8 jolt occurred when the Nazca plate dived beneath the South American plate, releasing tremendous energy. The U.S. Geological Survey says 13 temblors of magnitude 7 or more have hit coastal Chile since 1973...

Chile Earthquake: Megathrust