How many earthquakes in 1995?

Answer 1

The following details from a USGS press release to summarize the year the Kobe Earthquake hit Japan in Jan. 16, 1995.

"Twenty-five earthquakes around the world registered a higher magnitude than the 6.8 magnitude Kobe 1995 earthquake, according to USGS records at its National Earthquake Information Center in Golden, Colo. Forty-seven "significant" earthquakes were recorded throughout the world in 1995, 22 more than occurred in 1994, but only about two-thirds the long-term average of 60 per year. A significant earthquake, according to the USGS, is defined as one that registers a magnitude of at least 6.5, or one of lesser magnitude that causes casualties or considerable damage.

The USGS, using data from seismograph stations throughout the world, presently locates from 16,000 to 19,000 earthquakes each year having magnitudes of about 1.0 up to 8.0 or more."

To see a list of more recent (or historic) earthquakes, visit the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.