Moderate Earthquake in NZ near Masterson, Mag 5 +/- 0.2

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a recent earthquake near Masterton, New Zealand, focusing on the discrepancies in reported magnitudes and the effects felt by residents. Participants share personal experiences and observations related to the event.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Experiential

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note a discrepancy in the reported magnitude of the earthquake, with USGS reporting it as M4.8 while other sources, like Geonet, report it as M5.2.
  • One participant expresses confidence in the GNS report due to their extensive sensor coverage in the region, suggesting it may be more reliable than the USGS data.
  • Another participant shares a personal account of not feeling the earthquake, indicating variability in experiences among those in the vicinity.
  • There are mentions of several aftershocks following the main quake, with specific magnitudes provided for these smaller events.
  • A light-hearted comment is made regarding the earthquake's impact on daily activities, such as coffee consumption.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that there is a discrepancy in the reported magnitudes of the earthquake, but no consensus is reached on which source is more accurate. Individual experiences of the earthquake vary significantly.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference different seismic monitoring organizations, highlighting the potential limitations of sensor coverage and reporting accuracy in the region.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in seismic activity, earthquake reporting, and personal experiences related to natural events may find this discussion relevant.

Astronuc
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There is some discrepancy on the magnitude.

USGS reports - M4.8 - 12km WNW of Masterton, New Zealand
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us20005h22#general
2016-04-11 19:41:06 (UTC)
Location: Lat 40.932°S, Long 175.514°E
Depth: 27.1 km (16.9 mi) - shallow. Folks in the vicinity definitely felt it.

Earthquake of 5.2 magnitude, centred near Masterton, rocks lower North Island (stuff.co.nz) attributed to Geonet
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/78809720/quake-rocks-lower-north-island

"In the minutes following the quake there were a series of smaller ones in the same area, measuring 2.9, 2.6, 3.2, and 3.3."

Did you get a signal Dave?
 
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Astronuc said:
There is some discrepancy on the magnitude.

USGS reports - M4.8 - 12km WNW of Masterton, New Zealand

yeah, I will believe the GNS report for this one. They have a very good saturation of sensors over the region
where as the closest 2 for the USGS are Wellington, NZ and Raoul Is, (NZ) around 500km nth of the North Island, NZ
Astronuc said:
Did you get a signal Dave?

only just saw some of the surface waves

Astronuc said:
"In the minutes following the quake there were a series of smaller ones in the same area, measuring 2.9, 2.6, 3.2, and 3.3."

Quite rich in small aftershocks, here's the last 24 hour
This also helps to confirm the M5+ status :)

mrz-seismic-drum.gif


Dave
 
I was in the shower at the time, and my dad came in and asked if I felt the earthquake -- I didn't. It seems it occurred right below Masterton's water treatment plant.
 
A guy on the radio asked if it knocked the froth off of your Latte :-)
 

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