Where did the tsunami and earthquake occur? The earthquake and resulting tsunami caused major destruction in countries bordering the Indian Ocean. These countries include Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, the Maldives, Somalia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Seychelles, and many others. When did they occur? December 26, 2004 at 00:58:50 UTC (6:58:50 a.m. local time) How did they occur? The earthquake occurred underwater when the Indian-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates collided. One plate was deducted beneath the other which means one plate was pushed down until the pressure became too much and the plate sprung up forcing the land and sea upward too. The upward movement and shaking generated a massive tsunami. What else should I know? - Largest earthquake in over 40 years. - 3rd largest earthquake ever recorded - Within 5 days 85 aftershocks with magnitudes ranging from 5.0-7.0 were recorded. - Even more aftershocks occurred afterwards in the following weeks and even months! |