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Earthquake Lifts Seabed, Killing Marine Life
14 Jun
Summary
- An earthquake lifted the seabed by up to 2 metres, exposing coral.
- Shorelines extended by as much as 200 metres due to coastal uplift.
- Dead fish and other marine life were found on exposed coral reefs.
A recent 7.8-magnitude earthquake in southern Mindanao, Philippines, has resulted in a phenomenon known as coastal uplift, causing the seabed to rise by approximately 2 meters. This seismic event, which occurred earlier this week, has extended shorelines by up to 200 meters in some areas. The uplift was caused by a shift in the Cotabato Trench, pushing coastal sections of Sarangani and Davao Occidental provinces upward.
This geological change has led to the exposure of extensive coral reefs and seagrass beds. Consequently, marine life, including fish, eels, clams, and shells, has perished on the newly exposed ocean floor. Authorities have dispatched teams to survey the affected area, documenting the widespread damage to the marine ecosystem.
