A 2.7 magnitude earthquake, the strongest recorded in Wales so far this year, was detected near the beauty spot lake of Llyn Mwyngil in Gwynedd. The tremor struck between the hamlet of Talyllyn, adjacent to the lake, and Abergynolwyn in the southern part of Gwynedd.
Details of the tremor
The British Geological Survey (BGS), which provides geoscience data, monitoring and guidance, released the details. It remains uncertain whether the tremor was felt by local residents, as the area is relatively remote.
Experts indicate that most earthquakes measuring below 2.5 on the scale typically go unnoticed, though they are detected by seismographs. This quake registered just above that threshold, meaning there is a possibility it was felt.
Previous earthquakes in Wales this year
It is one of a small number of earthquakes recorded across the country this year, with two earthquakes having been registered in Wales during August. The first occurred at Llangynidr, near Crickhowell, in Powys in the early hours of 12 August. That quake measured 1.1 on the Richter scale at a depth of 6km, and was recorded at 3.22am.
A second earthquake was detected during the afternoon near Bontddu on the northern banks of the Mawddach Estuary in Gwynedd. This was marginally stronger at 1.3 on the Richter scale and at a depth of 8km, recorded at 1.30pm.
Seismic activity in Wales
Locations and magnitudes may be subject to revision as events are re-examined and updated. The BGS documents approximately 300-400 earthquakes each year across Britain.
Wales, alongside the rest of the UK, is positioned on the European plate, where stress builds up as it is slowly driven north-eastwards from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This stress is released through movement along pre-existing fault lines, causing an earthquake.
The Menai Strait region continues to be the most seismically active area in Wales and among the most active throughout the UK. The magnitude 5.4 earthquake of 1984 was the strongest onshore seismic occurrence to hit the UK in over a century. Its epicentre was located along the northern coast of the Llŷn Peninsula, originating at a depth of approximately 22 km below the earth's crust.
