Read this tip to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Geology/Geography and other Earthquake topics.

Why does New Zealand have earthquakes?

New Zealand

This was a question from a viewer: Why does New Zealand have earthquakes?
A: Australia and the Pacific meet along the Alpine Fault, and the Eastern South Island is colliding and sliding southwards (and uplifting the Southern Alps in the process).
New Zealand straddles the boundary of two tectonic plates, the Pacific Plate and the Australia Plate, which move approximately 40 millimeters per year. This movement has been directly linked to volcanic and earthquake activity.
Trimble GPS receivers are used to measure the movement.

Comments

Nobody has commented on this tip yet. Be the first.

Ask a Question

Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Earthquake Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!

Guru Spotlight

George Sayour

Ever wonder how you could make your life better and more fun? So have tens of millions of fans who have turned to LifeTips for answers over the past decade. We keep the tips, advice, books, podcasts and writing services flowing, so you can keep your life and business growing in the right direction. Upward!