It’s normal to have questions when IGN, The Spanish Geographic Institute adjusts information after an earthquake. But these changes don’t mean data is being hidden. Here’s why it happens:
1. Initial data is preliminary
It’s published quickly, with limited information, to provide timely alerts.
2. More information is analyzed later
As minutes and hours pass, signals from more seismic stations are collected.
3. It’s updated for greater accuracy
Magnitude, depth, or location may be adjusted as more data becomes available.
4. It’s normal worldwide
Organizations like IGN, the USGS (U.S.), and EMSC (Europe) all do this.
5. It’s not hiding, it’s improving
Transparency and accuracy are key in science.
Example: 2024 New Jersey Earthquake
On April 5, 2024, a magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck near Tewksbury Township, New Jersey. Initially, the USGS reported the epicenter near Whitehouse Station. However, as more seismic data became available and further analysis was conducted, the location and other parameters were refined to provide a more accurate representation of the event.
This example illustrates the standard practice of updating earthquake data as additional information is analyzed, ensuring the most accurate and reliable information is available to the public.
~GeoTenerife Team
It’s normal to have questions when IGN, The Spanish Geographic Institute adjusts information after an earthquake. But these changes don’t mean data is being hidden. Here’s why it happens:
1. Initial data is preliminary
It’s published quickly, with limited information, to provide timely alerts.
2. More information is analyzed later
As minutes and hours pass, signals from more seismic stations are collected.
3. It’s updated for greater accuracy
Magnitude, depth, or location may be adjusted as more data becomes available.
4. It’s normal worldwide
Organizations like IGN, the USGS (U.S.), and EMSC (Europe) all do this.
5. It’s not hiding, it’s improving
Transparency and accuracy are key in science.
Example: 2024 New Jersey Earthquake
On April 5, 2024, a magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck near Tewksbury Township, New Jersey. Initially, the USGS reported the epicenter near Whitehouse Station. However, as more seismic data became available and further analysis was conducted, the location and other parameters were refined to provide a more accurate representation of the event.
This example illustrates the standard practice of updating earthquake data as additional information is analyzed, ensuring the most accurate and reliable information is available to the public.
~GeoTenerife Team
