The Science Behind Earthquake Frequency in Britain and Ireland

Researchers from the University of Cambridge and the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies have discovered that variations in the thickness of tectonic plates relate directly to the distribution of earthquakes in Britain, Ireland and around the world. The study also solves an enduring mystery as to why small earthquakes happen frequently in Britain but are almost completely absent from neighboring Ireland. The researchers found that the lithosphere is thin and weak beneath western Britain, meaning that the rocks can bend easily—triggering earthquakes across this region. In contrast, Ireland sits on top of thick and strong lithosphere, explaining the lack of earthquakes.