Has there been an increase in big earthquakes worldwide this year?

Experts say despite the “big earthquakes“ that have recently made headlines in countries like Indonesia and Venezuela, there has not been an above-average rate of large quakes in 2026. A 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia’s capital on Saturday, the 11th earthquake above a magnitude of seven this year and fifth since June, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). There have also been 34 earthquakes with a magnitude between six and 6.9 this year.Roughly 16 major earthquakes are typically expected by the USGS in any given year, which includes “15 earthquakes in the magnitude seven range and one earthquake magnitude eight or greater.”The USGS measures a magnitude 5.3 as a “moderate” earthquake, and a 6.3 as a “strong” earthquake. Earthquakes Canada cites earthquakes between seven and 7.9 magnitude as “major.” Earthquakes that reach magnitude six and above tend to cause large-scale damage. Story continues below advertisement “We’re three-quarters of the way through the year; we’ve had 11 earthquakes when the average would suggest 12,” said John Cassidy, earthquake seismologist with Natural Resources Canada.“We’re just about on average.”Twenty-three major hurricanes hit in 201...