De-Bunking the USGS Earthquake BS

https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/why-are-we-having-so-many-earthquakes-has-naturally-occurring-earthquake-activity-been?qt-news_science_products=0#qt-news_science_products

USGS: “The ComCat earthquake catalog contains an increasing number of earthquakes in recent years not because there are more earthquakes, but because there are more seismic instruments and they are able to record more earthquakes.”

Anon: Certainly, in the last 35 years, more lower intensity earthquakes have been noticed because of a general increase in the number of seismograph stations across the world and improved global communications. But by limiting the range of earthquakes being counted to magnitude 7 or above, it means these earthquakes can easily be identified by a limited number of seismographs, and we can ensured that any increase in frequency for these larger earthquakes cannot be down to the increase in overall detection rates as all these larger earthquakes are able to be easily detected with fewer seismograph stations. When it comes to detection rates for major earthquakes over 100 years ago, it is worth noting that our ability to record all earthquakes of 7.0 or above occurring across the planet prior to 1901 is uncertain.

USGS: “According to long-term records (since about 1900), we expect about 16 major earthquakes in any given year, which includes 15 earthquakes in the magnitude 7 range and one earthquake magnitude 8.0 or greater. In the past 44 years, from 1973 through 2017, our records show that we have exceeded the long-term average number of major earthquakes only 11 times, in 1976, 1990, 1995, 1999, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2016.”

Anon: Go to https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/search/ and pull all 7 and larger EQ’s since 1900 and the average is 1377 EQ over 117 years = 11.769 or almost 12. Where did the USGS get the 16 from? Could it be that they are matching their number to reflect the recent increase? Every year after 2006 has had 12 or more 7 plus EQs. In the past 40 years only 11 of those years were UNDER the real long term average of 12 (2006, 2005,1998, 1993, 1989, 1988, 1986, 1982, 1982, 1980, 1979). Then for fun…because you already pulled the data:

EQ 7 plus average by decade:

Decade: August 2008 -2018: 17.3

Decade: August 1998-2008: 14.4

Decade: August 1988-1998: 14.4

Decade: 1978-1988: 10.9

EQ 7 plus 50 year Average:

August 1968- 2018: 14.18

Aug 1918 - 1969: 11.64

Trying to figure out how USGS gets 16: 463 EQ of 7 plus since Aug 1998 = ave 15.433. If you go back any father then that the average goes DOWN.