The Hikurangi subduction zone - HazardsEducation.org

“Slow slip events” occur on the subduction interface beneaththe North Island—they also give insight into subductionearthquake potential• These “slow slip events” or “silentearthquakes” are best detectedwith continuous GPS• We have observed up to fifteendistinct slow slip events in fourdifferent parts of the North Island• Worldwide, slow slip events areobserved to occur at the transitionzone between “coupled” and“creeping” portions of the interface• Slow slip events have also beendocumented at subductionmargins in Japan, northwest U.Sand western Canada, Mexico, andCosta RicaGNS Science