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| Scientists underestimate possibility of killer US quake |  |  |  |
| World |
| Written by Chris Perver |
| Tuesday, 21 July 2009 06:11 |
| Geologists have revealed that the possibility of a major earthquake similar in magnitude to the one that caused the Asian Tsunami in 2004 is greater that previously thought. A team of scientists, lead by a professor of geography at Britain's Durham University, published their findings in the journal Quaternary Science Reviews yesterday. In their research, the scientists studied soil samples taken from the west coast of the United States, and discovered that cataclysmic disasters have occurred around 900 and 1500 years ago. According to the findings, the possibility of a major earthquake along the west coast of the United States has been underestimated, and that geological evidence shows that very large and widespread earthquakes are likely to occur there in the future. The scientists point to a relatively recent quake, measuring around 9.2 on the Richter Scale, which struck the west coast in 1964 causing widespread damage. Quote: ""Our data indicate that two major earthquakes have struck Alaska in the last 1,500 years and our findings show that a bigger earthquake and a more destructive tsunami than the 1964 event are possible in the future," Ian Shennan, a professor of geography at Britain's Durham University, who led the study, said in a statement. "The region has been hit by large, single-event earthquakes and tsunamis before, and our evidence indicates that multiple and more extensive ruptures can happen." It's hard to believe that it's been nearly five years since the Asian Tsunami hit on December 26th, 2004. The earthquake which triggered that tsunami was one of the largest that has ever been recorded, measuring around 9.3 on the Richter Scale. The earthquake lasted for around 10 minutes, and tore a gash in the earth's surface over 900 miles in length. The Andaman islands shifted several feet as the Indian plate slipped fifty feet beneath the Burmese plate. The seabed was raised by several metres, displacing around 7 cubic miles of seawater and triggering tsunami waves which moved at around 500 miles per hour, devastating the coastlines of around a dozen countries. The energy released by the earthquake caused the planet to wobble on its axis by several inches. And in one day, over 230,000 people lost their lives. As devastating as it all sounds, the Bible tells us about a coming day in which the Lord will rise to "shake terribly the earth", Isaiah 2:19-21. The prophecy of Isaiah speaks of a time in which the earth will be utterly broken down, and will "reel to and fro like a drunkard", Isaiah 24:19-20. The book of Revelation tells us about a day in which every island will flee away and the mountains will not be found. This great earthquake, which is described as being the greatest to occur since man was created, will cause the cities of the nations to fall (Revelation 16:18:20). The Bible says that men will recognize this earthquake as a sign of their impending judgement, and will cry out for the mountains and rocks to fall on them, and to hide them from the face of Him who sits on the Throne and from the wrath of the Lamb (Revelation 6:14-17). But they will not be hidden. This warning is given to us in the Scriptures. Not so our scientists can build better earthquake-proof buildings. Nor is it designed to convince mankind to make peace on earth and to live more moral lives. The warning is given to cause sinners to flee to the only refuge that can withstand the coming storm. There is only one way to be hidden from the wrath of God, and that is to find shelter under the one who has already borne God's judgement for our sins. We need to be hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3). He bore the punishment for our sins when He gave His life upon the cross. And if we have believed on Him for salvation, we will be preserved from the wrath to come. Have your sins been forgiven? Have you trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved (Acts 16:31). Isaiah 54:10 Source Reuters |
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