New Zealand's History of Devastating Earthquakes
Christchurch Earthquakes of 2010-11
The Christchurch earthquakes were a series of tremors that occurred within and near the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, and the Canterbury Plains region from early September 2010 to late December 2011. The most significant earthquakes were the magnitude 7.1 Darfield earthquake on 4 September 2010, the magnitude 6.3 earthquake on 22 February 2011, and the magnitude 5.9 earthquake on 13 June 2011. These earthquakes caused widespread damage to the city and surrounding areas, and resulted in the deaths of 185 people.
Recent Earthquake Activity
In addition to the Christchurch earthquakes, New Zealand has experienced a number of other significant earthquakes in recent years. On 14 November 2016, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the Kaikoura region, causing widespread damage and triggering a number of landslides. On 21 July 2019, a magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck the Wellington region, causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Tectonic Setting
New Zealand's location on the boundary of the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates makes it particularly susceptible to earthquakes. The collision of these two plates results in the formation of the Hikurangi Trough, a subduction zone where the Pacific Plate is being thrust beneath the Australian Plate. This process generates significant seismic activity, which can result in large earthquakes.
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