Turning now to the weaker after-shocks and earth-sounds, we find them
affecting chiefly three regions of the fault. One of these is close to
Dochgarroch, another near Inverness, and the third between Aldourie
and Drumnadrochit; the effects of the slips in the last two districts
being, as before, to extend the area of displacement a short distance
(perhaps half a mile) to the north-east and not less than six miles to
the south-west underneath Loch Ness.
The unequal division of the after-shocks between the two sides of the
principal centre (A, Fig. 67) is very marked. The positions of the
epicentres of forty-four shocks and earth-sounds can be determined
with more or less accuracy, and, of these, only ten lie to the
north-east of the principal centre, while thirty-four lie to the
south-west, six or seven of the latter being beneath Loch Ness.
One other point may be referred to before leaving these minor shocks.
So far as regards the stronger shocks, there was a continual decrease
in the depths of the seismic foci. This is shown by the progressive
approach of their epicentres towards the fault-line; the distances in
the three chief after-shocks being 1.7, 1.0, and 0.5 miles
respectively; and in one of the latest shocks (that of October 13th at
4.24 P.M., E, Fig. 67) the distance is no more than one-tenth of a
mile. The focus of this shock must, indeed, have been quite close to
the surface near Dochgarroch. This constant diminution in the depth of
the foci shows that the great slip was followed by a sudden increase
of stress upwards as well as laterally, and explains why that slip did
not leave any perceptible trace, either as fault-scarp or fissure, at
the surface.
SYMPATHETIC EARTHQUAKES.
It is remarkable that, of the 56 recorded after-shocks, at least six
were felt or heard only at Dalarossie and other places in the valley
of the Findhorn, a valley which lies about 13 or 14 miles to the
south-east of the great fault. That they had no connection with that
fault is certain, for two of them were so strong that, if they were so
connected, they could not have escaped the notice of one or more of
the watchful observers between Drumnadrochit and Inverness. The
probable explanation of these after-shocks is that they were due to
slips of a fault running along the Findhorn valley;[68] and that the
great displacement near Inverness on September 18th led to a sudden
increase of stress within the rocks for many miles around, which, at
and near Dalarossie, was sufficient to precipitate the slips referred
to.
CONCLUSION.
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