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3.6 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Tibet at 50km Depth

A magnitude 3.6 earthquake struck Tibet at a depth of 50 kilometers, as reported by the National Center for Seismology. This event follows a magnitude 3.7 shallow earthquake that occurred in the same region just days earlier, which is more dangerous due to its potential for stronger ground shaking. The Tibetan Plateau is a highly seismically active zone due to the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This tectonic activity shapes the region's geology, with large earthquakes occurring along strike-slip faults and smaller ones along normal faults.

Key Points: Earthquake in Tibet: Magnitude 3.6 Strikes

  • Magnitude 3.6 quake hits Tibet
  • Follows a 3.7 magnitude shallow quake days prior
  • Shallow quakes cause stronger ground shaking
  • Region is seismically active due to tectonic plates
  • Tibetan Plateau shaped by Indian-Eurasian plate collision
2 min read

Earthquake of magnitude 3.6 strikes Tibet

A magnitude 3.6 earthquake hit Tibet at a depth of 50km, following a recent 3.7 magnitude shallow quake in the seismically active region.

"Shallow earthquakes are generally more dangerous than deep earthquakes. - National Center for Seismology"

Tibet, February 25

An earthquake of magnitude 3.6 struck on Wednesday, a statement by the National Center for Seismology said.

The earthquake occurred at a depth of 50km.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 3.6, On: 25/02/2026 12:00:39 IST, Lat: 28.03 N, Long: 87.56 E, Depth: 50 Km, Location: Tibet."

Earlier on February 22, another earthquake of magnitude 3.7 occurred at a shallow depth of 5km, making it susceptible to aftershocks.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 3.7, On: 22/02/2026 07:16:22 IST, Lat: 27.88 N, Long: 87.43 E, Depth: 5 Km, Location: Tibet."

Shallow earthquakes are generally more dangerous than deep earthquakes. This is because the seismic waves from shallow earthquakes travel shorter distances to the surface, resulting in stronger ground shaking, greater structural damage, and higher casualties.

The Tibetan Plateau is characterised by seismic activity due to tectonic plate collisions.

Tibet and Nepal lie along a major geological fault line where the Indian tectonic plate converges with the Eurasian plate, resulting in frequent earthquakes. The region is seismically active due to tectonic uplift that can become sufficiently strong to alter the elevations of the Himalayan peaks.

The Tibetan Plateau attains its high elevation due to crustal thickening caused by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates, which created the Himalayas. Faulting within the plateau is associated with strike-slip and normal mechanisms. The plateau extends east-west, as evidenced by north-south-striking grabens, strike-slip faulting, and GPS data.

In the northern region, strike-slip faulting is the dominant tectonic style, while in the south, the dominant tectonic domain is east-west extension on north-south-trending normal faults.

Seven north-south-trending rifts and normal faults were first identified in southern Tibet in the late 1970s and early 1980s using satellite imagery. They began formation when extension occurred some 4 to 8 million years ago.

The largest earthquakes in Tibet, with magnitudes of 8.0 or similar, occur along strike-slip faults. Normal-faulting earthquakes are smaller in magnitude; in 2008, five normal-faulting earthquakes with magnitudes of 5.9 to 7.1 occurred across the plateau.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The science behind these earthquakes is fascinating but also terrifying. The Indian plate pushing into the Eurasian plate... it's a constant reminder of the immense forces beneath our feet. Stay safe, everyone in the region. 🙏
R
Rohit P
While the article is informative about the tectonics, I wish it had more about the potential impact on people living there or any preparedness measures being taken. A 3.6 quake at 50km depth might not cause damage, but the pattern is concerning.
S
Sarah B
Reading about the 8.0 magnitude potential along strike-slip faults is chilling. We in North India always feel the tremors when a big one hits the Himalayas. Hope the authorities are ensuring building codes in vulnerable areas are strictly followed.
V
Vikram M
The National Center for Seismology does a good job with timely updates. It's crucial information for the entire subcontinent. These small quakes are like nature's pressure release valves, hopefully preventing a bigger buildup.
K
Kavya N
My heart goes out to anyone living in earthquake-prone zones. We had a scare last year in Delhi. Articles like these are a good reminder to have an emergency kit ready at home. Better safe than sorry!

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