EARTHQUAKES IN SLOVENIA IN 1999

Abstract

In this century, 1999 may be considered an average year as regards seismic activity in Slovenia. The strongest earthquake happened on 13 May 1999 at 16h 06m UTC (18.06 local time) in the Krn Mountains, NW Slovenia. Its local magnitude was 3.0, and a maximum intensity of V-VI EMS-98 was observed in the villages of Idrsko and Drežniške Ravne. Seven earthquakes reached a maximum intensity of V EMS-98: two in Savinjska Valley, two in Posočje, one near Litija, one in Dobrepoljska Valley and one near Novo mesto. The strongest earthquake outside our borders was felt on 21 March at 04.07 UTC. Its epicentre was in Friuli, NE Italy, and its local magnitude was 2.8. In total, the inhabitants of Slovenia have felt at least 61 earthquakes. In 1999 more than 4500 voluntary observers co-operated with URSG and submitted a total of 5206 questionnaire forms about earthquakes felt in their vicinity. The seismographs of the national network have registered more than 1100 local earthquakes, 507 of which were located. The majority of local earthquakes had local magnitudes ranging from 1.3 to 1.6, and epicentres at depths ranging from 6 to 9 kilometres.