On average, Australia can see approximately 80 magnitude 3.0 earthquakes every year, have a 5.5 magnitude earthquake every 2 years and a 6.0+ magnitude every 5 years (CITATION). The largest earthquake recorded in Australia’s history was the 1941 earthquake at Meeberrie, Western Australia with a recorded magnitude of 7.2.
Adelaide’s seismic history can be narrowed down to 3 major earthquakes all greater than magnitude 5.0, however smaller earthquakes are constantly occurring almost every day. As these are relatively small magnitudes however they aren’t felt as strongly and don’t cause severe instantaneous damage.
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Beachport – 10th May 1897 – Magnitude 6.0
The earthquake occurred just off the coast of Beachport, approximately 4.5 hours from Adelaide (between Robe and the SA/Victoria border), but was felt from Port Augusta to Melbourne.
Image from: http://minerals.dmitre.sa.gov.au/earthquakes/major_earthquakes_in_south_australia
Populated townships near the epicentre of the quake such as Robe, Kingston and Beachport endured the worst of the damage. The town’s infrastructure was greatly affected with large cracks developing in the sides of buildings and sagging of balconies. Glass shattered from windows of churches and the roofs caved in. Also cases of liquefaction erupted at Robe, Beachport and Kingston were reported. Around 90 aftershocks were felt at Kingston for the next couple of months.
The quake was felt in Adelaide, approximately 317km from Beachport with reports describing it as a low rumble that was felt from 40-60 seconds. Damage due to this included the stables opposite Government house collapsing and the Britannia statue clock sustaining cracks to the glass face and problems with the clock mechanism. Minor injuries were sustained to people in their haste to rush to exits when buildings swayed.
Image from: http://minerals.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0016/11149/1897_p2.jpg
Image from: http://minerals.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0016/11149/1897_p2.jpg
Warooka – 19th September 1902 – Magnitude 6.5
Image from: http://minerals.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/10656/isomap1902_or.pdf
The first earthquake in Australia’s recorded history to be associated with casualties. There were several smaller shakes that occurred before the main quake on the 19th of September causing damage and destruction to homes and businesses in the township of Warooka as well as a few neighbouring towns and claiming the lives of two citizens suffering heart attacks as a result of the tremulous shaking and devastation. Only one building in Warooka escaped without damage, leaving the rest of the town in ruins with citizens believing that even the slightest of tremors would bring the whole town to the ground. Felt in Adelaide again, destruction was seen to the Critien Hotel on King William Road as well as damage to the Britannia clock statue once again.
Image from: http://minerals.dmitre.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0014/11156/1902_p3.jpg
Adelaide – 1st March 1954 – Magnitude 5.5
Image from: http://minerals.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/10656/isomap1902_or.pdf
Known as the most destructive earthquake in Australian history, the 1954 quake caused damage to approximately 3.000 buildings and costing around $90,000,000 in insurance claims. Tremors were felt across 600kms from the epicenter in Darlington (15km south of Adelaide CBD) and the damage caused by them was widespread. Suburbs, particularly along the Eden-Burnside fault sustained great structural damage to the masonry and brick buildings as well as removing roofs from houses.
In the CBD panic gripped citizens many who in their haste to leave buildings and crowded areas sustained minor injuries. The tower of the general post office as well as the Britannia Statue (3rd times a charm) sustained damage to the clock faces, with the Britannia Statue being altered after this quake to minimize further damage.
Image from: http://minerals.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0009/11160/1954_p4_250.jpg
Image from: http://minerals.statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0016/11158/1954_p2_250.jpg
Earthquakes Among us 
