October 21, 2004

Iran successfully tests improved Shihab-3 missile

Dibba Residents Worried about Frequent Tremors

by V.M.Sathish

DIBBA -October 21, 2004 KM Special News DIBBA - Residents of Dibba, a boarder town of Oman, UAE and Iran, have experienced minor trememours since the beginning of Ramadan and the worried people of the locality said they are scared of living in the old buildings in the area. Speaking to KM, Dibba residents said two tremors were experienced at 1.20 and 1.30 PM on Wednesday and a third tremor was felt at 2 M. Many families spend their sleepless night outside the buildings and the tremors continued afterwards. The area witnessed a bigger tremor at early morning that created panic among people. There are many Keralites living in the area. KM suspects that the tremor was triggered by the underground or under sea nuclear tests conducted by a Middle Eastern country. Nuclear and missiles tests have been associated with related earthquakes in different parts of the world. According to one study, 25 per cent of earthquakes are caused by earthquakes. Two years back, when Iran experienced the devastating earthquake, reportedly following an underground nuclear test, Masaafi region of the UAE experienced powerful earthquakes measuring more than 5 on the Ricter scale. There are four earthquake monitoring stations in Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Masafi. Since March 2002, when an earthquake with a magnitude of five on the Richter scale struck Mas-afi, the AUS Observatory Stations have recorded at least 70 earthquakes measuring more than four along the Zagros fault. A team of analysts from the American University of Sharjah is studying the situation to know what caused the tremor. The quake monitoring stations did not record anything.

According to reports, mild tremor felt in Dibba was a minor movement in the Dibba Fault, which is an active one. The Gulf News quoted an expert as saying that none of the four earthquake monitoring stations installed in the northern emirates have detected anything like an earthquake. Dr Azm Al Homoud, professor of civil engineering at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) was quoted as saying that some kind of local tectonic movement involving the Dibba Fault, which is connected to the Zagros fault a major fault that lies on the opposite side of the Arabian Gulf in Iran.

KM understands that the tremor could probably be triggered by a covert underground or under sea nuclear test conducted by a Middle Eastern country pursuing nurclear weapons. Nuclear and missiles tests have been associated with related earthquakes in different parts of the world. Two years back, when Iran experienced the devastating earthquake, reportedly following an underground nuclear test, Masaafi region of the UAE experienced powerful earthquakes measuring more than 5 on the Ricter scale. There are four earthquake monitoring stations in Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Masafi. Since March 2002, when an earthquake with a magnitude of five on the Richter scale struck Mas-afi, the AUS Observatory Stations have recorded at least 70 earthquakes measuring more than four along the Zagros fault. A team of analysts from the American University of Sharjah is studying the situation to know what caused the tremor. The quake monitoring stations did not record anything.

A report by Azm S. Al-Homoud , School of Engineering, American University of Sharjah, published by the Geophysical Research Abstracts said On March 11, 2002, at mid nigh, the Fujairah Masafi region in the UAE was shaken by an earthquake of shallow depth and local magnitude m = 5.1 on Richter Scale. "The earthquake occurred on Dibba fault in the UAE with epicenter of the earthquake at 20 km NW of Fujairha city. The focal depth was just 10 km. The earthquake was felt in most parts of the northern emirates: Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al-Khaima, and Um-Qwain. The "main shock" was followed in the following weeks by more than twenty five earthquakes with local magnitude ranging from m = 4 to m = 4.8." said the report byAzm S. Al-Homoud, School of Engineering, American University of Sharjah.

The location of the previous earthquakes was along Zagros Reverse Faulting System in the Iranian side the Arabian Gulf, opposite to the Shores of the UAE. Most of these earthquakes were shallow too and were actually felt by the people. However, there was another strong earthquake in early April 2002 in the same Masafi region with local magnitude m =5.1 and focal depth 30 km, therefore it was not felt by the northern emirates residents."No major structural damages to buildings and lifeline systems were reported in the several cities located in the vicinity of the earthquake epicenter. The very small values of ground accelerations were not enough to test the structural integrity of tall building and major infrastructures. Future major earthquakes anticipated in the region in close vicinity of northern emirates, once they occur, and considering the noticeable local site effect of the emirates sandy soils of high water table levels, will surely put these newly constructed building into the real test," the report said.

"Even though there were no casualties in the March 11th event, but there was major fear as a result of the loud sound of rock rupture heard in the mountains close to Maafi, the noticeable disturbance of animals and birds minutes before the earthquake incident and during the incident, cracks in the a good number of Masafi buildings and major damages that occurred in "old" buildings of Fujairah Masafi area, the closest city to the epicenter of the earthquake," the report said. The March 11, 2002 and "aftershocks" scared the citizens of Masafi and surrounding regions and ignited the attention of the public and government to the subject matter of earthquake hazard, specialty this earthquake came one year after the near by Indian m = 6.5 destructive Earthquake. Indeed the recent m = 6.2 June 22 destructive earthquake too that hit north west Iran, has again reminded the UAE public and government with the need to take quick and concrete measures to dtake the necessary steps to mitigate any anticipated earthquake hazard.

Residents say the buildings in Dibba are mostly old villas and about 10 to 12 multi storied buildings. There are some multistoried buildings fully occupied by expatriates and residents. "Some residents living in flats slept outside their buildings. They feared that an earthquake is imminent," said A R an expatriate resident. Since it was Thursda, schools are closed and families were glued together outside their homes. "We spend some time outside the building and then slept. Our women did not sleep till early morning," added another resident. The area is only three to four hours boat journey from the nearest Iranian territory. "There was a crack on the building wall which was caused by the last earthquake. After yesterdays tremor the crack is wide now," said another resident. There are many old buildings in which expatriates and locals reside.

The International News Agency reported that two quakes jotled Iran on October 15, 2004. "Two quakes measuring 5.2 and 4.2 on the Richter scale hit Iran's southeastern province of Kerman, but there were no immediate reports of casualties or serious material damage. The official news agency IRNA said the first quake, measuring 4.2, hit the town of Zarand at 4:51 am (01:21 GMT). A local official there reported no damage or injuries. The second tremor of 5.2 on the open-ended Richter scale hit the town of Ravar at 5:58 am (02:29 GMT), and an official there also said there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. Last week a quake measuring 5.2 hit the town of Jiroft, likewise in Kerman province. The towns are all situated cround the city of Bam, which was almost totally destroyed on December 26 last year. Some 31,000 people lost their lives in that quake. Iran is criss-crossed by seismological faults, and tremors and quakes are an almost daily occurrence.

AUS

The United Arab Emirates sits near the edge of the Arabian Plate adjacent to the Iranian plateau and close to Zagros Fault, which is characterized by high seismic activities. The Iranian plateau frequently suffers destructive and catastrophic earthquakes that cause heavy loss of human life and widespread damage in buildings and infrastructure. Due to its proximity to the Iranian Block, and the recent increase in the rate of seismic activity of the region, the UAE is vulnerable, in varying degrees, to earthquakes that are occurring at and around the Zagros fault. The March 11, 2002 earthquake that hit Masafi is an incident that has not been witnessed in recent years. It is evident that no part of the land is completely free of seismic activity.

The AUS Earthquake Observatory uses state-of-the art equipment and software to record and analyze the earthquake activity in the region. The lab is supported by the world-class, large-scale soil dynamics testing machine from MTS, which simulates various dynamic loading scenarios and tests including the actual recorded seismic data. Dynamic axial loading as well as lateral confining pressure can be applied simultaneously or in combination based on the test requirements, with fully control/monitor overload, confining pressure, pore pressure, back pressure, volume change and more. In addition, this lab is equipped with various types of subsurface exploration equipment and a drilling machine.

Dr. Azm Al-Homoud has extensive academic and practical experience in the analysis, design and supervision of a variety of civil engineering projects including foundation works, dams, roads, water resources and hydraulic engineering works, land reclamation, geoenvironmental engineering works (e.g., ground improvement, solid waste disposal areas, ground contamination remediation, ground water pollution control, and sewage treatment plants) and infrastructure services.

Iin August 1998, Dr. Al-Homoud joined the School of Engineering at the American University of Sharjah. In addition to his academic work, he supervised the development of the civil engineering labs. Dr. Al-Homoud manages the operation of the following state-of-art integrated labs: soil mechanics, environmental, water resources, soil dynamics, rock mechanics, subsurface exploration and engineering geology.

From September 1997 to September 1998, he was a project manager at Dar Al-Handasah Consultant in Dubai, UAE. His work included full responsibility of site management and supervision of Dubai International Airport Free Zone Development construction (foundations, buildings, and infrastructure facilities).

From September 1990 to September 1997, he was a faculty member in the Jordan University of Science and Technology's Civil Engineering Department. He also served as an independent consultant to a number of government agencies, regional and international organizations, and international consultancies including: UNESCO Office (Cairo); Dames and Moore Int., Parsons Brinckerhoff and Quade Int. (New York Office); Sir Alexander Gibb and Partners (London Office); Norwegian Geotech. Inst (NGI) (Oslo Office); ESCWA Office (Amman);, ENTRECANALES Spanish Consultants; Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Amman Office); SALINI Contracting, Jouzy and Partners, Salzgetar Consulting Office (Bonn Office); Associated Consulting Engineers (ACE); GEMT; and others.

Dr. Al-Homoud has specialized in all types of foundations, ground improvement, remediation, earth works and geologic hazard control, including the geotechnology of analysis, design and construction of deep and shallow foundations, retaining structures, land reclamation, coastal engineering, ports and harbors, offshore works, grouting works, underground water flow, road embankments and cut slopes, ports and earth dams. He has extensive experience in executing and appraising several civil engineering quality control labs and field testing of soil, rock, water and construction materials.

In conducting the above services, he has presented various technical solutions, reviewed designs and specifications, and supervised the execution of solutions to technical issues on a number of multimillion dollar projects. He has delivered several expert opinion cases to resolve disputes.

Dr. Al-Homoud has conducted independent and joint regional and international research projects in areas of geotechnical engineering, environmental geotechnology, water resources, construction materials, reliability analysis, soil-structure interaction, earthquake engineering. He has published more than 60 papers for international refereed journals and more than 20 papers for specialized international conferences.

He has organized and participated in several local and regional workshops for the engineering community and societies. He has also developed numerous guidelines for the practicing civil engineer to better understand and apply geoenvironmental engineering. Additionally, he has developed strategies for safe building and highway construction in earthquake regions and those founded on problematic soils.

 

Earlier KM Report About Gujarath Earthquake and Nuclear Test

More About Iranian Nuclear Test and Earthquakes in the Region

keralamonitor.com March 12, 2002.

Special Report: Nuclear Explosion and Earthquakes?

Nuclear Testing is responsible for 25 per cent of all earthquakes: UK Seismic Expert

London: " It is impossible to have an underground nuclear test without creating an earthquake - not necessarily in the immediate vicinity but anywhere in the world. Of every 30 major earthquakes, some 21 or 22 follow a nuclear explosion. There are other reasons for earthquakes, but the vast majority are the result of underground nuclear testing. We need not test nuclear bombs. Self-interest is causing these earthquakes," said one geologist who has been monitoring the co relation."The tragic earthquake in Gujarath is a terrible event It is indeed my information that nuclear testing is responsible for 25 per cent of all earthquakes, which is obviously an unacceptable amount. However, this particular earthquake in India is not the result of nuclear testing but is entirely from natural causes, in this case, the movement of the tectonic plates in that area of the world," says Benjamin Creme Editor, Share International magazine, which has been monitoring earthquakes in different parts of the world. "My information is that the final death toll will most likely reach 60,000 when all the dead and missing are counted. Obviously the multi-storey buildings were not built with earthquakes in mind ‹ this is something that the Indian Government would need to enforce. Full Report

Man made earthquake is a reality now

Modern science has been misused for destructive purpose to such an such an extent that it is possible to create artificial earthquakes or Man made earthquakes: "Often individuals wonder whether construction of a reservoir, hydrocarbon production, or the injection of fluids into the ground caused an earthquake at a specific location. Several well-documented cases exist where such large engineering projects and damaging earthquakes are genetically related. In most of these cases, the engineering projects themselves most likely did not create the stresses that caused the earthquake, but rather changed local conditions in such a way as to allow an earthquake to occur." says a scientific report. Full KM Report

Gujarath Earthquake caused by Covert Underground Nucelar Test

January 27, 2001

Gujarath killer earthquake caused by Nuclear Test?

Reports by KM correspondent

New Delhi: The devastating earthquake that is causing severe damage to valuable human life and property in Gujarath and other parts of India may be caused by a covert nuclear explosion by India on the eve of the 51st Republic Day celebrations

Nuclear Testing is responsible for 25 per cent of all earthquakes: UK Seismic Expert

" It is impossible to have an underground nuclear test without creating an earthquake - not necessarily in the immediate vicinity but anywhere in the world. Of every 30 major earthquakes, some 21 or 22 follow a nuclear explosion. There are other reasons for earthquakes, but the vast majority are the result of underground nuclear testing. We need not test nuclear bombs. Self-interest is causing these earthquakes," said one geologist who has been monitoring the co relation. More