Researchers record Central Queensland earthquake

University of Queensland researchers have recorded an earthquake of Richter magnitude 3.5 at 3.56 am, Thursday, May 29, near Bundaberg.

The quake was recorded on the Brisbane seismographs of the Queensland University Advanced Centre for Earthquake Studies (QUAKES), a centre within the University of Queensland's Earth Sciences Department.

The earthquake epicentre has been tentatively located at 'offshore Bundaberg, north of Fraser Island', using data from three stations. Other seismograms are being collected and it is hoped to refine the location, according to Col Lynam from QUAKES.

The Centre has recently upgraded earthquake hazard estimates for coastal Queensland.

As yet, no damage has been reported as a result of the earthquake. Mr Lynam said QUAKES seismologists were interested in hearing from people who had experienced the earthquake by telephoning 07 3365 3197 or faxing 07 3365 7347 with their location, telephone number and detailed effects.

'We are interested in knowing how intensely people felt the earthquake; whether they were inside or outside at the time, if people were awoken by the earthquake, whether animals were disturbed and if any movement, sound or damage occurred,' he said.

Mr Lynam said an accurate location of where the earthquake had been felt would greatly assist earthquake researchers. The type of structure in which people found themselves at the time was also important.

For further information, contact Mr Lynam at QUAKES, telephone (07) 3365 3197 (until 5.30pm/a/h 07 3395 5572), email: lynam@shake2.earthsciences.uq.edu.au

Attached: Copy of a QUAKES seismogram of the Bundaberg earthquake.