Earthquake swarm in Taupo Volcanic Zone not related to volcanic activity

Friday, 26 May 2017

The earthquake swarm relates to seismic activity that has been occurring on and off since February.

Numerous small earthquakes which hit near Turangi are part of a swarm of quakes that have been shaking the region on and off since February.

They are not related to volcanic activity, GNS experts say.

According to GeoNet, dozens of small earthquakes hit the area on Friday evening, and are likely to be related to the long-term tectonic stretching of the Taupo Volcanic Zone.

GNS Science seismologist John Ristau said the quakes were not 'really all that unusual'.

* Strong quake in Turangi, the latest shock in the swarm hitting the area**

The swarms would hit from time to time, and usually the earthquakes weren't very big, and tended to sit lower down on the Richter scale.

Many people have reported feeling the quakes on Friday evening, according to the GeoNet website.

Volcanologist Natalia Deligne said the swarm began in February, and usually happened in pulses.

The area experienced seismic activity of a very similar nature a few years ago.