Researchers find building seismic strain in Azerbaijan
Thursday, June 14, 2012 - 05:30
in Earth & Climate
In 1859, a devastating earthquake ripped through what is now central Azerbaijan, destroying the capital city of Shemakha. Damage from the quake was so extensive that the capital was subsequently relocated to Baku, a coastal city on the Caspian Sea. Since then, Baku has grown into a thriving metropolis, fueled by vast offshore oil reserves. Rapid development of the citys housing, infrastructure and foreign trade has made Azerbaijan one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.