Answer»
- No, there are no months that have more earthquakes than others. Examining the list of Canadian or global earthquakes, there isn't a season that STANDS out as having an increased number of earthquakes.
- The explanation for this can be found by considering that the mechanisms that cause earthquakes are independent of seasonal temperature changes ( see EFFECTS of cold temperatures on earthquakes ), and independent of the changes in position of the Earth in the solar system at different times of the YEAR. It is internal geological forces that play the most important role in generating earthquakes.
- Most large earthquakes are as a result of IMMENSE continental plates, called tectonic plates, that move, one with respect to another. The driving force for this movement is found in the Earth's mantle in the form of convective currents. These currents carry the tectonic plates around the Earth generating earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The movement of the plates creates strain which is then accumulated in faulted areas causing earthquakes. Both the movement of the plates and the accumulation of strain along faults are continual processes independent of the time of year.
- Since the distance between the Earth and Sun changes throughout the year due to the elliptical trajectory of the Earth around the Sun, it seems possible that the attractive gravitational forces between the two BODIES might cause extra strain in the Earth's crust. However, strain models have shown that this extra force is insignificant compared to the tectonic force present.
- Since the temperature and gravitational forces are the only forces changing with the seasons, seasonal effects can be eliminated as a factor in influencing the frequency of earthquakes.
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