Reappraisal of major African earthquakes, south of 20°N, 1900–1930

Abstract

We have re-examined those earthquakes in Africa south of 20°N, in the period 1900–1930, that appear from instrumental or macroseismic evidence to have a magnitude of 5 3/4 or greater. We identify more than 50 such events, about twice as many as listed by Gutenberg and Richter (1954). We find that the combined use of early instrumental readings and macroseismic information gleaned from previously untapped sources gives the best control of location. Instrumental relocation is difficult because of the lack of stations in Africa and the very uneven global distribution. For the low-gain, medium-period instruments then in use, the best control often comes from using the maximum Airy phase of surface waves. Similarly, there is a lack of sources of macroseismic information, and the simple building practice makes it difficult to assess intensity. We have recalculated magnitude Ms uniformly using the Prague formula. We discuss these problems and show that it is likely that our list is complete only down to magnitude about 6, and that the seismic record for Africa before this century will probably remain incomplete for events of all magnitudes.

Of the 54 events in our list 20 are between magnitude 6 and 7, and the largest is the Rukwa earthquake of 1910 in Tanzania (Ms 7.4). The only other African event known to rival it in size is that in southern Sudan on 20 May 1990 (Ms 7.2).