Hawaiian earthquake had surprising trigger

Fault formed much deeper than quakes typically originate in that region

(MSNBC)-SAN FRANCISCO - A new fault formed off the northwest coast of Hawaii on Oct. 15 of this year, and now scientists are figuring out what caused the crack and the ensuing 6.7 magnitude earthquake.

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The crack extends about 9 miles in length in the oceanic plate that supports the island. It formed about 35 miles below the sea-surface level, much deeper than quakes typically originate in that region. The temblor set off a chain of events, including a shallower earthquake of magnitude 6.0 and more than 80 aftershocks within a 24-hour period.

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For an island chain comprised of volcanoes, any shaking and waves of energy triggered by an earthquake can interact with chambers of magma that turn into erupting lava. The October quake, however, actually reduced the activity of most volcanoes on the island with the exception of one confined area on Mauna Loa where activity increased, according to Malcolm Johnston of the U.S. Geological Survey.

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The recent earthquake was caused not by volcanic activity but from the heft of the volcanoes, which continue to gain weight as more lava flows onto the surface.

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Interesting study. Good find BF The world's allways got some neat little surprises for us.

Yes, very interesting. Good find and thanks.

Who'da thunk it? I certainly assumed the quake was related to volcanic activity, not the increased weight from previous eruptions.

Cool how the earth works, isn't it? Always shifting, re-aligning, balancing...