The Tremorific Truth: How Often Does Melbourne Do the Dishes (Earthquake Style)
Living in Melbourne, you've got all the bases covered: world-class coffee, laneway art, and enough sporting events to keep your weekends perpetually booked. But what about earthquakes? Do you need to invest in a helmet made entirely of Vegemite jars?
Relax, ya galah! Melbourne isn't exactly on the same tectonic plate as a mosh pit. However, Victoria, the state Melbourne calls home, does experience some tremors.
But how many earthquakes are we talking about?
Here's the lowdown: Melbourne itself doesn't experience many whoppers. Most quakes in the area are on the smaller side, barely enough to rattle your jewelry box, let alone send you flying for cover.
Victoria's a Different Story
The state as a whole experiences a different story. Seismologists (the earthquake whisperers) estimate around 100 small earthquakes a year in Victoria, excluding aftershocks (those jittery echoes after the main event). That's like, a tremor a day, kind of, except most of them are so tiny you wouldn't even notice.
The Big One: Don't Panic (Yet)
Melbourne hasn't had a real doozy of an earthquake in recent history. The biggest one in the area in the last century was a 5.4 whopper back in 2012, and that was centered about 80 kilometers away from the city. So, while Melburnians are no strangers to the occasional tremor, they're not exactly dodging falling buildings on a daily basis.
Fun Fact: Earthquakes Can Be Picky Eaters!
Did you know some parts of Victoria are more prone to earthquakes than others? The southeastern parts of the state tend to see more action, with areas around Gippsland and the Otway Ranges experiencing more frequent tremors. Melbourne itself sits on a relatively stable chunk of crust, so you can rest a little easier knowing your morning latte isn't at risk of being interrupted by a surprise earthquake dance party.
How To Stay Prepared (Just in Case)
While the earthquake threat in Melbourne is relatively low, it's always good to be prepared. Here are some quick tips:
- Have a plan: Talk to your household about what to do in case of an earthquake.
- Drop, Cover, and Hold On: This is the golden rule during an earthquake. Get under sturdy furniture and hold on tight.
- Be earthquake-aware: Know where your emergency supplies are and how to shut off utilities.
## Frequently Asked Tremor Topics
How to tell the difference between an earthquake and a rogue tram?
Earquakes tend to make the whole ground shake, while a rogue tram is more of a "bump, screech, existential dread" kind of vibe.
How to convince my overly-dramatic friend that Melbourne isn't going to fall into a sinkhole?
Patience and a lifetime supply of calming chamomile tea are your best bets.
How to prepare a Vegemite jar helmet?
Honestly, for the amount of time it takes to collect that many jars, you'd be better off investing in a regular helmet. Plus, who wants Vegemite dripping in their eyes during an earthquake?
How to impress my date with earthquake trivia?
Hit them with the fact that Victoria has the highest density of seismographs in Australia. They'll be putty in your hands (or at least mildly impressed).
How to know if I should be worried about earthquakes in Melbourne?
The short answer: probably not. Melbourne experiences mostly minor tremors. But hey, being prepared never hurts!
