Global warming has drastic implications on our planet, and many of them often seem disconnected with each other. Yet while the average citizen may not immediately connect global warming to tectonic plate movement, geologists and other earth scientists appreciate the implicit and explicit ties between the two. As surface temperatures increase, the Earth’s interior temperature rises as well and this can cause physical and tectonic movements that directly influence our planet’s fierce seismic activity.
When surface temperatures rise, oceans and other bodies of water become less dense, expanding to nearly 9% more volume. This equates to an increase in seawater pressure on the Earth’s oceanic plates, creating a higher likelihood of accelerative tectonic movements. The same process occurs when the internal temperature of the Earth increases, resulting in volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. In fact, many of the recent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes that occurred around the world have been linked to the Earth’s rising internal temperature.
In areas that are prone to seismic activity, global warming can have both positive and negative effects. Since global warming increases the likelihood of earthquakes, it also increases preparedness and response times. For example, affected nations benefit from accurate forecasting of earthquakes, allowing them more time to evacuate citizens and rescue those in need.In Bangladesh, many coastal areas have implemented early hurricane warning systems, helping to manage the increasing number of global warming-induced natural disasters in recent years.
On the other hand, global warming can lead to seismic shifts that are more destructive, causing severe damage to cities and infrastructure. As the Earth’s plates shift, coastal cities become increasingly vulnerable to tsunamis and landslides, forcing people to relocate and rebuilding efforts that come at a heavy cost. For example, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake that struck near the coast of Japan in 2011, triggered a tsunami that caused wide-scale destruction and left underlying infrastructure severely damaged.
Not all tectonic plates may be affected by global warming the same way, however. In the Mediterranean, researchers have shown that rising temperatures have decreased the frequency of earthquakes, making the region more stable. Other researchers believe that the tectonic forces responsible for earthquakes in Asia, like that in the Mediterranean, could actually be counteracted by global warming.
From the evidence provided, it is clear global warming has a major effect on tectonic plate movement. This is evidenced by the recent upsurge in seismic activity and the various regions of the world that have experienced increased or decreased movements due to temperature fluctuations. Considering its severe consequences, it is essential that global warming be addressed as a matter of urgency and that nations implement preventive measures to mitigate the harmful effects of rising temperatures.
