'Slow Motion' Earthquakes in New Zealand

An Earthquake is a natural phenomenon that occurs when sudden energy is released by earth. It typically causes great destruction, as a result of movements within the earth's crust or volcanic action. There is a kind of slow motion earthquake that occurs over days to weeks be considered to be able to bring great destruction, called a “Slow slip events.” A new study has revealed Kaikura earthquake with 7.8 magnitudes triggered a slow slip event on New Zealand's North Island. A few of the slow slip events occurred as far away as 300 miles from the earthquake. Kaikoura earthquake that hit the South Island of New Zealand in 2016 is considered the second largest quake that has ever been recorded with 7.8 magnitudes.

This type of fault is responsible for causing some of the world's most dangerous earthquakes. An area where a tectonic plate dives or "sub ducts" under an adjacent tectonic plate is termed as subduction zone. This type of fault causes some of the world's most powerful earthquakes, which occur when areas of built-up pressure between the tectonic plates fractures. Slow slip events resemble to earthquakes, as they involve more frequent than normal movement between two pieces of Earth's crust along a fault. Scientists are still trying to justify the relationships between slow slip events and earthquakes but it is clear that they are very powerful earthquakes.

Content Source: www.sciencedaily.com

By: Priyanka Negi