Wednesday 4 September 2013

Quake jolts central New Zealand

Quake jolts central New Zealand

A 5.1 magnitude earthquake which shook central New Zealand last night was typical aftershock behaviour, says GNS.

The quake was felt across the lower North Island and upper South Island just after midnight.

GeoNet reported the quake was at a depth of 16km, centred 40km east of Seddon.

GNS seismologist Anna Kaiser said an aftershock of this magnitude was expected, and did not change the probability of bigger quakes.

"It's quite typical aftershock behaviour - you still get the odd five-magnitude earthquake at this point in the sequence," Kaiser said.

"It might have a small effect [on earthquake probabilities], but it shouldn't change anything much."

The quake woke people from the Wellington and Marlborough regions.

Those awoken felt minor shaking, followed by a more intense jolt, in the tremors lasting about 20-30 seconds.


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