Geologists link Taiwan’s earthquakes to tropical storms: study

The video discusses Taiwan's geological position between the Philippine Sea and Asian continental plates. A study by the German Research Center for Geosciences suggests that typhoons, like the severe Typhoon Moroccott in 2009, can exacerbate earthquakes in Taiwan. The storm caused significant landslides, depositing debris on mountain ranges, which led to shallow earthquakes detected over the following years. This research provides the first evidence that erosion from such events can trigger seismic activity, reversing the usual understanding of earthquake-induced erosion.

What geographical feature is Taiwan located between?

• The Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean

• The Philippine Sea and the Asian continental plates

• The Atlantic Ocean and the European continental plates

• The Mediterranean Sea and the African continental plates

Which organization conducted the study on typhoons and earthquakes in Taiwan?

• Asian Seismological Institute

• German Research Center for Geosciences

• Taiwan Meteorological Center

• International Typhoon Research Group

What was a significant consequence of Typhoon Moroccott in Taiwan?

• Massive landslides and river debris

• Severe drought conditions

• Widespread forest fires

• Increased volcanic activity

How long after Typhoon Moroccott did the team detect shallow earthquakes?

• 5 years

• 1 year

• 2.5 years

• 10 years

What is the unique finding of the study regarding erosion and seismic activity?

• Erosion has no effect on seismic activity

• Erosion only affects volcanic eruptions

• Erosion prevents seismic activity

• Erosion can trigger seismic activity