New Zealand has had dozens of 'slow' earthquakes that can last weeks. A hidden underwater sea may be the cause.

Fri, 10/27/2023 - 12:02

Napier, New Zealand sits along Hawke Bay, with many buildings softly lit and purplish during sunset — Napier sits along Hawke Bay on New Zealand's eastern coast, near the Hikurangi Plateau.
Walter Bibikow via Getty Images

Slow-slip events or silent earthquakes take place over weeks or months.
Researchers have speculated that water may help dampen the effects of an earthquake.
Now, scientists have found that a plateau in New Zealand has a hidden reservoir of water.

Since 2002, dozens of slow-motion earthquakes have rippled beneath New Zealand. Researchers think a reservoir holding enough water to fill a sea may be the cause.