Military activity in the CQ region may have led to reports of earthquake-like effects, according to CQU seismology researcher Mike Turnbull.

The Central Queensland Seismology Research Group (CQSRG) advises that on Wednesday 20 June between 12:00 noon and 12:30pm several reports of earthquake-like observations came from the Mt Larcom to Boyne Island district, adjacent to Gladstone. This included explosive bangs, sharp thunder, rattling windows, and moving furniture.

No seismic events were recorded on the CQSRG network during that period. Likewise, no seismic events have been reported by other seismology agencies in Australia in that district, over that period. It must therefore be concluded that whatever caused the felt effects was not seismic in origin.

It has been reported on national TV, radio and print media that last week a joint military exercise began in the Wide Bay Training Area.

This exercise will continue for several weeks and will include aerial suport, including aircraft capable of supersonic operation.

Past reports of earthquake-like observations similar to this have been regularly reported from the Mt Larcom to Boyne district over the past 2 years.

Each time these reports have coincided with military exercises in the Wide Bay Training Area.

In all probability the reported effects were caused by military aircract operating at supersonic speeds out to sea from Gladstone. ENDS

For details call Michael Turnbull on 4150 7069 or Email m.turnbull@cqu.edu.au


A full listing of earthquakes detected by CQSRG during 2007 can be viewed at http://www.infocom.cqu.edu.au/Research/Research_Groups/CQSMRG/NBSN/Local_Earthquakes_2007/.