Recent seismic activity in the Cook Strait region of New Zealand has included multiple earthquakes, with notable events being a magnitude 6.5 and a 5.7, both occurring in close succession. This area is characterized by complex tectonics, transitioning from oblique slip along the South Island to a subduction zone affecting the northeastern part of the South Island and the North Island. The tectonic activity is primarily compressional, with both islands experiencing shortening in the east-west dimension. The Southern Alps, formed by these tectonic processes, are among the youngest mountain ranges globally, having developed over the last 5 to 8 million years. The region has seen a significant number of aftershocks following the main events, and scientists have indicated a 20% risk of further significant earthquakes in the coming week. The ongoing tectonic interactions between the Pacific and Australian plates continue to shape the geological landscape of New Zealand.
