The moon, as you know, has a huge influence on our planet: in addition to being directly related to the tidal cycle, the most obvious effect of its presence, the satellite affects our orbit and the variation of our axis of rotation, which, as a consequence, has connection with the seasons of the year. Not to mention how the moon interferes with the behavior of terrestrial creatures and even our weight!

The suspicion had existed since the 19th century, at least

In addition, scientists have debated for centuries about the possible influence of the moon on earthquakes on Earth. Now, a study by researchers at the University of Tokyo seems to support this old suspicion, as their survey has revealed that the great earthquakes that shake our planet are more likely to happen during the full moon or new phases - phases in which the earthquake. tidal force is more intense.

Werewolves ... and earthquakes

During the survey, scientists analyzed three databases on seismic activity on the planet and focused their attention on the magnitude 5.5 or higher tremors recorded over the past 20 years. More specifically, the researchers looked at the readings taken in the 15 days prior to the quake and then reconstructed the tidal force amplitude for each day before the earthquake.

Destruction caused by the earthquake that shook Japan in 2011

The analysis revealed that some of the most devastating aftershocks in the last two decades - including Sumatra in 2004, Chile in 2010, and Japan in 2011 with magnitudes of 9.3, 8.8 and 9, 0, respectively - happened within days of the two problematic lunar phases. In addition, of the 12 most powerful earthquakes evaluated in the study, with magnitude 8.2 or higher, nine coincided with the full or new moon.

As they explained, during these two phases of the lunar cycle, the Earth, the Moon and the Sun are aligned, and thus the gravitational influence of the satellite on our planet is most intense. Thus, it is possible that this extra stress, when applied to geological faults, may (hypothetically) trigger large earthquakes.

Cascade effect

Researchers are still trying to understand how large earthquakes begin to form and evolve, but suspect that the process involves a succession of factors that begins with the formation of small ruptures that eventually escalate until a larger fracture occurs. Analysis by Japanese scientists suggests that this succession of events is more likely to occur on a full or new moon.

Alignment can exert extra force on geological faults

With respect to minor aftershocks, the survey did not point to a very clear relationship between their occurrence and tidal force - although data indicate that the proportion of large earthquakes (with respect to those of lower intensity) increases as the stress caused by alignment It gets bigger. Thus, it is possible that the moon's action triggers small earthquakes that sometimes escalate to devastation.

Remember that there are many other factors involved in the occurrence of earthquakes, and the study presented by Japanese researchers will still be scrutinized by geologists around the world. However, if the results are confirmed, they can not only help scientists better understand the quakes, but can also help predict large earthquakes and prevent fatalities.