An earthquake measuring 3.9 on the Richter scale with an epicenter about 100 kilometres west-southwest of Cape St. Vincent was registered by monitoring stations on Saturday at 15:35, according to the Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).
The epicenter was in the ENI-Galp ‘Gamba’ oil and gas exploration bloc although no drilling is yet taking place.
Oil expert Eng. Anthonie van den Brink has warned that "in all the information provided that warns about pollution threats from drilling activities around the SW coasts of Portugal l did not read anything on the potential catastrophe that may result from such exploration. This area is geologically fragile.”
Brink states that "In an unstable area such as the sea around the SW coasts of Portugal, where much tension may have been built up since the earthquake of 1755, such earthquakes may trigger a much larger catastrophic earthquake. I suggest that more attention is given to these very important facts."
According to ASMAA, the anti-oil exploration pressure group, any earthquake with an intensity of 4.5 on the Richter scale will affect buildings, with the appearance of cracks and in some cases damage to their structural integrity. Over 5.0 can cause damage of varying severity to poorly constructed buildings. At most, none to slight damage to all other buildings but will be felt by everyone.
The Spanish have made the link between gas extraction and increased seismic activity, with former Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism José Manuel Soria stating recently that “it appears there is a direct relationship between the gas extraction industry and earthquakes.”
Soria went on to say that Spain is conducting a full investigation as to the cause of hundreds of recent earthquakes near offshore drilling areas.
The seabed to the south and southwest of the Algarve is an area of fragile geology. With oil and gas exploration surveys currently taking place, and possible extraction in four years’ time both being encouraged by the government despite warnings from environmentalists, the probability of a major seismic event increases.
