January 2005

• Searching for Australian earthquakes no longer a shaky experience
• MODIS captures SA bushfire images

Searching for Australian earthquakes no longer a shaky experience

Geoscience Australia's earthquake database is now online, providing easy access to key information about Australia's earthquakes and seismicity. The database contains information about Australian earthquakes from 1841 to the present, with magnitudes ranging up to 7.2 (the estimated magnitude of Australia's largest earthquake, at Meeberrie, WA). Information about overseas earthquakes greater than magnitude six is also now available online.

The earliest overseas earthquake listed in the database occurred in Jordan in 2150 BC. The database is updated progressively as real-time seismographic data is analysed and the earthquake locations are determined.

The database may be searched through a map or text-based interface, returning information tailored to the user's specific needs, and downloaded to the user's computer.

Features include: plotting earthquakes on a map with a number of optional backgrounds; details of earthquakes queried individually or as groups within specified areas; and the ability to zoom-in on maps to the area of interest.

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The MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer ) sensor onboard the AQUA satellite captured this image of the bushfires approaching Port Lincoln on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula between 3:43 and 3:47 pm AEDST on Tuesday the 11th of January 2005.

The progress of the fires was also tracked by the Sentinel bushfire tracking system.

This system uses near real-time processing of MODIS data to determine and display the location of fire hotspots within 40 minutes of the satellite overpass. The mapping system allows users to identify fires which pose potential risks to communities and infrastructure. For more information, please see the Sentinel website.

A higher resolution image [JPG 445KB] is available, or you can compare the image alongside a 1:250,000 topographic map [you may be prompted to download a plug-in].

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