2008 Lincolnshire earthquake facts for kids
| UTC time | 2008-02-27 00:56:47 |
|---|---|
| ISC event | 13214978 |
| USGS-ANSS | ComCat |
| Local date | 27 February 2008 |
| Local time | 00:56 |
| Magnitude | 5.2 ML |
| Depth | 18.6 kilometres (12 mi) |
| Epicentre | 53°24′14″N 0°19′52″W / 53.404°N 0.331°W |
| Areas affected | United Kingdom |
| Max. intensity | VI (Slightly Damaging) |
| Casualties | 1 injured |
The 2008 Lincolnshire earthquake was a notable event that shook parts of the United Kingdom on February 27, 2008. It happened very early in the morning, around 12:56 AM local time. This earthquake was quite strong for the UK, and many people felt it. Luckily, there were no deaths, and only one person was reported to be injured.
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What Was the 2008 Lincolnshire Earthquake?
An earthquake happens when the ground shakes. This is caused by sudden movements deep within the Earth's crust. The 2008 Lincolnshire earthquake was one of the strongest to hit the UK in many years. It was centered near a town called Market Rasen in Lincolnshire.
How Strong Was It?
Scientists measure the strength of an earthquake using something called the Richter scale. This earthquake was measured at 5.2 on the Richter scale. To give you an idea, earthquakes below 2.5 are usually not felt, while those above 8.0 can cause huge damage. A 5.2 earthquake is considered moderate, meaning it can be felt widely and might cause minor damage.
The earthquake happened quite deep underground, about 18.6 kilometers (or 11.6 miles) below the surface. This depth can sometimes make the shaking feel less intense at the surface compared to a shallower earthquake of the same strength.
Where Was It Felt?
The shaking was felt across a very large area of the United Kingdom. People living near the epicenter (the point on the Earth's surface directly above where the earthquake started) felt it the most. This included areas like Lincolnshire and Hull. However, reports came in from as far away as Scotland and Wales, showing just how widespread the tremors were.
The earthquake lasted for about 10 seconds. Even though it was short, it was strong enough to wake many people up and cause some items to fall off shelves.
Impact and Damage
While there were no deaths, one person was injured during the earthquake. This person was hurt when a chimney fell through their roof. Some buildings also had minor damage, like cracks in walls or fallen chimneys. For example, the spire of St Andrew's church in Haconby was damaged.
Earthquakes are not very common in the United Kingdom, especially strong ones. This event was a reminder that even places not known for earthquakes can experience them.
Images for kids
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The spire of St Andrew's church in Haconby was damaged
