Earthquakes, November-December 1973

Abstract

A number of significant earthquakes happened during the last 2 months of 1973. Two major earthquakes (magnitude 7.0-7.9) occurred in the New Hebrides Islands, bringing the final major earthquake total for the year to 11, somewhat below the annual average which is 18. One great earthquake (magntidue 8.0 and above) per year is average, but none occurred in 1973. An earthquake in Tennessee, centered about 30 miles south of Knoxville, caused minor damage in the Maryville-Alcoa area and was felt in seven Southeastern States. New Mexico experienced a sharp earthquake on December 24 that caused minor damage in the Grants area. Other parts of the world suffered fatalities and significant damage from earthquakes. In Iran, an earthquake killed one person, injured many, and destroyed a number of homes. Earthquake fatalities also occurred in the Azores and in Algeria.