11 Earthquakes M7.0 and Above in 2005

The United States Geological Survey has summarized earthquake activity for 2005 and reports that there were 11 earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 and above, including one that registered 8.7 near Indonesia (not the tsunami-generating quake, that was 9.0 and was in 2004). Interestingly, we should anticipate 17 magnitude 7.0-7.9 earthquakes and one 8.0 and above quake each year so last year was a tad weak. All but one of last year's earthquakes were in the Ring of Fire.