Slight Uptick in Earthquakes Recorded Near Belgium in 2024
The Royal Observatory of Belgium (ORB) reported a modest increase in seismic activity in 2024, recording a total of 141 natural earthquakes in Belgium and its surrounding regions. While this represents a 21-event increase compared to 2023, the ORB emphasized that none of these tremors exceeded a magnitude of 1.8 on the Richter scale – a level imperceptible to the general population.
While 42 earthquakes originated within Belgium itself, the ORB’s monitoring area – encompassing parts of northern France, western Germany, southern Netherlands, Luxembourg, and all of Belgium – experienced a significantly higher number of seismic events. this broader region saw over three times as many earthquakes as Belgium alone. The ORB monitors this area for all natural earthquakes with a local magnitude greater than 1.0.
“In 2024, 141 natural earthquakes in and around Belgium were recorded,” the ORB stated in its report. “This is an increase of 21 events compared to 2023.However, none of these earthquakes exceeded a magnitude of 1.8 on the Richter scale, an earthquake that is not even felt by the population.”
Beyond natural seismic events, the ORB also registered 304 quarry explosions and 10 offshore explosions. These latter explosions were linked to the controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from World War I and world War II by Belgian, Dutch, and French military forces. Interestingly, the ORB’s monitoring also detected four seismic events directly attributable to music festivals held during the year.
While the increase in seismic activity is noteworthy, the ORB’s findings reassure residents that the region remains relatively seismically stable.The lack of noticeable tremors underscores the relatively low magnitude of the recorded events. The data collected continues to provide valuable insights into the geological activity of the region.
This article reports on a slight increase in earthquakes recorded near Belgium in 2024. Hear’s a breakdown of the key points:
increased Activity: 141 earthquakes were recorded in and around Belgium in 2024, a rise of 21 compared to 2023.
Low Magnitude: Despite the increase,all earthquakes remained below a magnitude of 1.8 on the Richter scale, making them undetectable to the general population.
Wider Monitoring Area: The Royal Observatory of Belgium (ORB) monitors a broader region including parts of neighboring countries (France, Germany, Netherlands, Luxembourg). This area experienced substantially more earthquakes (over three times) than Belgium alone.
Other Seismic Events: Apart from natural earthquakes, the ORB also recorded quarry explosions (304) and offshore explosions (10) related to the removal of unexploded WWI and WWII ordnance. Interestingly, four seismic events were linked to music festivals.
* Overall Stability: The ORB concludes that the region remains seismically stable despite the observed increase in activity,as the earthquakes were of very low magnitude.
The details provided aims to reassure the public about the lack of seismic threat despite the slight upward trend in recorded events. The article highlights the ORB’s ongoing monitoring efforts and the valuable data they collect.
