More than 300 earthquakes rattle White Island, NZ – No link to volcano activity SO FAR -Scientists don’t understand what set the swarm off

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A swarm of small earthquakes continues around Whakaari/White Island, but so far there’s no indication the quakes are connected to the volcano. Since Thursday, GeoNet has recorded more than 300 earthquakes, centred 20km deep or less, under the sea surrounding the Bay of Plenty island. Most have been to the west and south, and the largest had a magnitude of 3.9. GNS Science volcano information specialist Brad Scott said scientists were not aware of anything in particular that had set the swarm off.

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White Island earthquake swarm in New Zealand. Earthquake map via GeoNet

It wasn’t known whether the location of the swarm close to the island was just coincidence, or whether there was some sort of relationship.

For now there was no indication of any volcanic activity on Whakaari/White Island, Scott said. “We’re not seeing any response from the volcano.

The type of earthquakes in the swarm were of the tectonic type, where cold, brittle rock was being broken.

Earthquake swarm processes were not fully understood. In this case, sequences of a main shock followed by aftershocks were being repeated.

About half a dozen of the quakes had been of magnitude 3.5 or more. “As earthquakes they’re still very small,” Scott said.

More than 300 small earthquakes have been recorded under the seas near White Island since Thursday.
More than 300 small earthquakes have been recorded under the seas near White Island since Thursday. Picture by Brook Sabin

Whakaari/White Island was part of the Taupō Volcanic Zone – which also included Mt Ruapehu, Taupō and Rotorua – where earthquakes were very common.

GeoNet has warned that the swarm could increase the risk of landslides on the island, as the earthquakes are shallow and local material is relatively weak.

On Monday morning, the volcanic alert level at the island remained at 1, indicating minor volcanic unrest.

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[GeoNet, Stuff]

4 Comments

  1. WATCH THE JOSE CURVEO COMMERCIAL…”LAST DAYS”..the NIBIRU MINI SOLAR SYSTEM IS COMING…and its going to kill almost everyone on the earth,and you’ll never hear those scientists talk about it,their ALL paid lieing government whores ,soon to be joining their DADDY SATAN in hell….along with ANYONE HIDING THIS from the people……..

  2. Could it be their recent embracing of Islam and the rabid discrimination against Christians and Jews? God does not take that kindly.

  3. Water is Heavy and Water Vapour Is Arguable The #1 Green House Gas

    Greenlands 23 Feet of Sea Level Rise

    Antarcticas 200 Feet of Sea Level Rise

    They Are Both Melting An Calving Getting Ready To Collapse

    Last Time Parts Per Million Of Carbon Was Over 410ppm

    Sea Level Was Over 130 Feet Higher Than Right Now

    Carbon Is At 415.78ppm And Climbing

    Greenland an Antarctica Melting Calving Getting Ready To Collapse When ?

    Today Tonight Tomorrow With In 36 Months ?

    Oceans Floors Sinking Putting Pressure On The Convection Thermal Belt Between the Crust an The Magma Mantle

    This Pressure Creates Stress That Is Relieved In Tectonic Movement

    These Earth Quakes an Volcanic Activity Will Be Increasing

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