Strong Quake Followed By Minor Tremor

Strong Quake Followed By Minor Tremor

Scoop Report: A strong earthquake centred off the coast of Taranaki and measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale rocked the central/west North Island of New Zealand this morning. The strong quake was followed by a minor tremor at 5.52pm.

Geological and Nuclear Science (GNS) said the stronger quake was a normal shift in the plate boundary. There had been no reports of damage to police. GNS said it was not expecting any aftershocks and did not believe the tremor was a precursor to a major earthquake. The quake was felt throughout Taranaki in parts of both the North and South islands of New Zealand.

To follow: Information and graphs from Geological and Nuclear Science http://www.geonet.org.nz/.

Reference Number: 2376455/G

Universal Time: March 13 2005 at 15:08

NZ Daylight Time: Monday, March 14 2005 at 4:08 am

Latitude, Longitude: 40.17°S, 173.63°E

Focal Depth: 150 km

Richter Magnitude: 6.4

80 km south of Opunake

90 km south-west of Patea

90 km south-west of Hawera

160 km north-west of Wellington

Magnitude revised after reception of further data. Felt throughout central New Zealand.

The current earthquake (indicated by a star) is shown in the context of ten years of 'deep' (greater than 40 km) seismicity (indicated by coloured points). The inset shows a depth cross section of the seismicity and current earthquake, projected onto the plane W-E.

Did you feel this earthquake? We would appreciate it if you could fill out a GeoNet Felt Earthquake Report and let us know of your experiences.

Another light quake occurred at 4:52pm.

Reference Number: 2376700/G

Universal Time: March 14 2005 at 4:52

NZ Daylight Time: Monday, March 14 2005 at 5:52 pm

Latitude, Longitude: 39.02°S, 175.72°E

Focal Depth: 5 km

Richter Magnitude: 3.2

10 km west of Turangi

30 km east of Owhango

50 km south-west of Taupo

260 km south of Auckland

Probably felt in Turangi.

GeoNet is core funded by the Earthquake Commission (EQC) and is being designed, installed and operated by Geological & Nuclear Sciences (GNS) on behalf of EQC and all New Zealanders.

GNS accepts no liability for any loss or damage, direct or indirect, resulting from the use of the information provided. GNS does not make any representation in respect of the information's accuracy, completeness or fitness for any particular purpose.