What caused the M6.3 earthquake west of Macquarie Island?

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In summary, the M6.3 earthquake west of Macquarie Island was caused by tectonic activity associated with the boundary between the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates. The movement and interaction of these plates, along with the geological features of the region, contributed to the seismic event.
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davenn
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From my seismograph this morning
M 6.3 - west of Macquarie Island
2023-10-11 20:04:57 (UTC) 52.060°S 139.590°E 4.8 km depth
This is on the Australian - Antarctic Ridge boundary, South of Australia.

1697064252098.png


The 3rd and latest M6.3 from Afghanistan can also be seen further up the seismogram.
The P wave arriving at 01:10UTC.. The origin time of the quake was 00:41:56 UT meaning that it took
some 28 minutes for the P wave to travel from the quake focus to my location in Sydney

The other smaller event after the Afghanistan event was a M5.5 from the Balleny Isl. area, in the Pacific - Antarctic Ridge
 
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Hey Dave. Not sure if I've asked this before, but how do you determine the origin of the earthquake? Do you determine it yourself or do you reference another source?
 
  • #3
Drakkith said:
Hey Dave. Not sure if I've asked this before, but how do you determine the origin of the earthquake? Do you determine it yourself or do you reference another source?
There are numerous sources for locating earthquakes. The USGS is one of the major, if the major, sources.
https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000lews/executive

M 6.3 - west of Macquarie Island​

  • 2023-10-11 20:04:57 (UTC)
  • 52.060°S 139.590°E
  • 4.8 km depth
That's shallow!
 
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Astronuc said:
That's shallow!
4.8 km certainly is shallow, the water depth there is 2.7 km.

That location is closer to me, than it is to Macquarie Is.
 
  • #5
Astronuc's name is ... Dave?

Excuse me while I repair to high dungeon to revise my worldview..
 
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DaveC426913 said:
Astronuc's name is ... Dave?
No idea. I was talking to Davenn. Which I think I misread in my bleary-eyed state as Dave N.
 
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DaveC426913 said:
Excuse me while I repair to high dungeon to revise my worldview..
As a place name, you should capitalise "High Dungeon".
Maybe you are in "high dudgeon" ?
 
  • #8
Baluncore said:
Maybe you are in "high dudgeon" ?
Clutching my...
1697208693946.png


Sorry. I digress.
 
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DaveC426913 said:
Astronuc's name is ... Dave?

Excuse me while I repair to high dungeon to revise my worldview..
Drakkith's question was directed to davenn, the OP. I provided an answer.
 
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FAQ: What caused the M6.3 earthquake west of Macquarie Island?

What caused the M6.3 earthquake west of Macquarie Island?

The M6.3 earthquake west of Macquarie Island was primarily caused by tectonic activity along the boundary between the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates. The movement of these plates can lead to stress accumulation and eventual release, resulting in earthquakes.

Is this earthquake related to volcanic activity?

No, the earthquake is not directly related to volcanic activity. Macquarie Island is located near a tectonic plate boundary, and the seismic activity in this region is mainly due to the movement of the plates rather than volcanic processes.

How deep was the earthquake, and does depth affect its impact?

The earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers. Generally, shallower earthquakes tend to cause more damage at the surface than deeper ones, as the seismic waves have less distance to travel before reaching the ground.

Was there any significant damage or casualties reported from this earthquake?

As of the latest reports, there were no significant damages or casualties associated with the M6.3 earthquake west of Macquarie Island. The region is sparsely populated, which mitigates the potential for widespread impact.

What should people do in case of an earthquake in this region?

In case of an earthquake, individuals should follow safety protocols such as "Drop, Cover, and Hold On." It is also important to stay informed through local authorities and to have an emergency kit prepared in case of aftershocks or other emergencies.

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