2016 Kaikoura earthquake
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| Date | 14 November 2016 |
|---|---|
| Origin time | 00:02:56 NZDT |
| Magnitude | 7.8 Mw |
| Depth | 15 km (9 miles) |
| Epicenter |
42°45′25″S 173°04′37″E / 42.757°S 173.077°ECoordinates: 42°45′25″S 173°04′37″E / 42.757°S 173.077°E 15 km (9 miles) north-east of Culverden |
| Areas affected | New Zealand |
| Max. intensity | IX (Violent) |
| Tsunami | Yes |
| Aftershocks | 11,956(as of 20 January 2017) |
| Casualties | 2 dead 57 treated for injuries |
The 2016 Kaikoura earthquake was a magnitude 7.8 (Mw) earthquake in the South Island of New Zealand that occurred two minutes after midnight on 14 November 2016 NZDT (11:02 on 13 November UTC). The earthquake started at about 15 kilometres (9 mi) north-east of Culverden and 60 kilometres (37 mi) south-west of the tourist town of Kaikoura and at a depth of approximately 15 kilometres (9 mi). Ruptures occurred on multiple fault lines in a complex sequence that lasted for about two minutes. The cumulative magnitude of the ruptures was 7.8, with the largest amount of that energy released far to the north of the epicentre. The large magnitude of the quake makes it second in magnitude to only one New Zealand earthquake since European settlement of the country. Casualties were reported in Culverden and Kaikoura. There were two deaths, in Kaikoura and Mount Lyford.
A complex sequence of ruptures with a combined magnitude of 7.8 started at 00:02:56 NZDT on 14 November 2016 and lasted approximately two minutes. The hypocentre (the point where the ruptures started) was at a depth of 15 kilometres (9 mi). The epicentre (the point on the Earth's surface above the hypocentre) was 15 kilometres (9 mi) north-east of Culverden and 95 km (59 mi) from Christchurch. From the hypocentre, ruptures ripped northwards at a speed of 2 km per second, over a distance of up to 200 km (124 mi). The largest amount of energy released did not occur at the epicentre, rather 100 km (62 mi) to the north near Seddon. Field surveys indicate ruptures on at least six faults.
There was motion on the Kekerengu Fault of up to 10 m (33 ft), movement on the Hundalee Fault, a newly identified fault in Waipapa Bay, as well as minor motion on the Seaward segment of the Hope Fault, and rupture on the Humps Fault and in the Emu Plains area. The offshore continuation of the Kekerengu Fault to the north east, known as the Needles Fault, ruptured as well. NIWA marine geologist Dr Philip Barnes said the length of the Kekerengu–Needles Fault rupture may extend for about 70 km (43 mi), consisting of 36 km (22 mi) on land and 34 km (21 mi) under the sea.
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