GLOBAL EARTHQUAKES

The information on global seismicity in 2014 at the level of strong earthquakes with M≥6according to the Seismological Bulletin of the Geophysical Survey of RAS (GS RAS) is provided. The original Seismological Bulletin for 2014 contains parameters of 3268 earthquakes in the world, versus 4212 in 2013. This article analyzes 165 earthquakes with M≥6, including 16 strongest earthquakes with M≥7, and five earthquakes with M6.0–6.7, which resulted in significant casualties and destruction. The information on focal mechanisms, macroseismic effect, the number of victims, tsunamis, etc. is given. A comparative analysis of the number of earthquakes and released seismic energy in different seismically active regions of the Earth showed that, as before, the Pacific region was the most seismically active. More than 96 % of common seismic energy was re-leased in the Pacific region, compared to 1.8 % in Eurasia, 1.3 % in Atlantic Ocean and 0.2 % in the Indian Ocean. The Earth’s maximum earthquake in 2014 occurred on April 1 with Mw=8.1 off shore of Chile. It was accompanied by numerous foreshocks and aftershocks. The maximum casualties and material damage in 2014 were caused by the catastrophic Ludian earthquake that occurred on August 3 with MS=6.2 in the Chinese province of Yunnan.