6.2 earthquake strikes region of Vanuatu- third large quake strike in 4 days

 

August 24, 2011 – Vanuatu – A 6.2 magnitude earthquake- the third in a series of earthquakes which have rattled the region of Vanuatu over the last four days had a depth of only 10.1 km and was much shallower than the two 7.0+ quakes which struck the region in quick succession on August 20, 2011. The earthquake was 77 km (48 miles) SW (232°) from PORT-VILA, Vanuatu. Vanuatu straddles the New Hebrides Plate in the South Pacific. The New Hebrides Plate is a minor tectonic plate located in the Pacific Ocean near the island nation of Vanuatu. The plate is bounded on the southwest by the Indo-Australian Plate which is subducting below it. The New Hebrides Subduction Zone is extremely active, producing over 20 earthquakes of magnitude 7 or higher in just the past 25 years. No tsunami warnings were issued with the latest earthquake. This region is now highly volatile. Seismic tension appears to be rising across the planet in unprecedented fashion.

Update: Recent seismic actvity patterns suggest Vanuatu could be at risk for another large earthquake. The region is extremely agitated.

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