The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #124175 Message #2741518
Posted By: Rowan
08-Oct-09 - 05:57 PM
Thread Name: BS: 7.8 mag quake NE of Australia
Subject: RE: BS: 7.8 mag quake NE of Australia
The Australian plate is moving north at around 6cm per year so it's no wonder there is activity at its northern boundary.
It seems yesterday's tsunami warning confusion arose as a result of the Hawaiian authorities sending out a "tsunami warning" (as was proper) but it was sent out around half an hour after the Australian authorities sent out a "tsunami watch" (not quite as alarming, in rating terms) but after the Samoan experience everybody was on tenterhooks. On top of the lack of clearly communicated warnings, due to the lack of infrastructure.