Explanation of slow slip earthquakes associated with New Zealand's Hikurangi Subduction Zone. "We typically see swarms of earthquakes in that area during the Pōrangahau slow slip events," she said. "Although for this year's slow slip event, there seemed to be slightly fewer earthquakes compared to previous Pōrangahau slow slip events in 2006, 2011, and 2016." "We've observed previously that the behaviour of small earthquakes changes both prior to and during slow slip earthquakes, but not in enough detail to fully understand why. "Probably part of the answer is that the slow slip area is being loaded steadily by motion between the tectonic plates, which is pretty constant," she said.

Source: New Zealand Herald June 13, 2021 02:15 UTC