How Animals Sense Earthquakes.

How Animals Sense Earthquakes

Earthquakes can be devastating, and humans have long sought ways to predict them. While there is no foolproof method of forecasting earthquakes, scientists believe that animals may be able to sense them before they happen.

There are a number of ways that animals may be able to detect earthquakes. One possibility is that they can sense the changes in the Earth's magnetic field that occur before an earthquake. Some animals, such as birds and fish, have tiny magnetic particles in their bodies that allow them to navigate using the Earth's magnetic field. It is thought that these particles may also allow animals to sense magnetic field changes associated with earthquakes.

Another possibility is that animals can sense the ground vibrations that occur before an earthquake. Some animals, such as snakes and rodents, have very sensitive hearing and can detect vibrations that are too faint for humans to hear. It is thought that these animals may be able to sense the ground vibrations that occur before an earthquake and flee to safety.

Animals may also be able to detect the release of gases from the Earth's crust that occurs before an earthquake. Some animals, such as dogs and cats, have very keen noses and can detect smells that are too faint for humans to smell. It is thought that these animals may be able to smell the gases that are released from the Earth's crust before an earthquake and flee to safety.

There have been many reports of animals behaving strangely before earthquakes. For example, dogs have been known to bark and howl excessively, cats have been known to hide and become restless, and birds have been known to fly away in large numbers. While some of these reports may be anecdotal, there is growing scientific evidence to suggest that animals can indeed sense earthquakes before they happen.

In a 2013 study, German scientists videotaped red wood ants that nested along a fault line and found that they changed their usual routine before a quake, becoming more active at night and less active during the day. The researchers believe that the ants were sensing the changes in the Earth's magnetic field that occurred before the earthquake.

In another study, published in the journal Nature Geoscience in 2019, researchers found that dogs can be trained to detect earthquakes with a high degree of accuracy. The researchers trained dogs to bark when they sensed changes in the Earth's magnetic field or ground vibrations. The dogs were able to detect earthquakes with up to 85% accuracy.

While more research is needed to fully understand how animals sense earthquakes, it is clear that they have abilities that we do not. By studying how animals sense earthquakes, scientists may be able to develop new early warning systems that could save lives.

What to do if you think your pet may be sensing an earthquake

If you notice that your pet is behaving strangely, such as barking or howling excessively, hiding, or becoming restless, it is important to pay attention. These may be signs that your pet is sensing an earthquake.

If you live in an area that is prone to earthquakes, it is a good idea to have a plan for what to do if one occurs. Your plan should include a safe place to go for you and your pets. You should also have a way to communicate with your loved ones in case of an earthquake.

If you think an earthquake is happening, stay calm and follow your plan. If you are indoors, get under a sturdy table or desk. If you are outdoors, find an open area away from trees and buildings.

Once the earthquake has passed, check your pet for injuries. If your pet is injured, seek veterinary care immediately.