M6.3, 6.4 -- a double whammy E of New Caledonia

[davenn]

Main Question or Discussion Point

M 6.3 - 170km ESE of Tadine, New Caledonia

M 6.4 - 167km E of Tadine, New Caledonia

and a bunch of aftershocks following shortly after ....

5.8, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4

Cheers
Dave

 

[Drakkith]

So why aren't these classified as the same earthquake? Too much time between them?

 

[davenn]

So why aren't these classified as the same earthquake?

because, tho they are in the same area, they are two very clearly separate and identifiable events, just as all the aftershocks that follow.

Too much time between them?

No, even with them being much closer in time, than the 35 minutes they were, it wouldn't matter as long as separate P and S
wave generation and arrivals can be identified.

With this sequence, the M 6.3 can be classed as a foreshock and the M 6.4 as the main shock.
(on a side note, I am quite surprised that they only got 6.3 and 6.4 considering the amplitude.
I have seen similar amplitude events from that area listed in the high 6's (6.6 - 6.9))


Dave