New Zealand Pulled Closer to Australia by Earthquake

Last week, the largest earthquake so far this year moved the southwest tip of New Zealand's South Island one foot (30 centimeters) closer to Australia. The quake was a slow, rolling one rather than a sharp action that would have caused more damage. The rolling style allowed the section of continental shelf to vibrate a geologically major distance towards Australia. Those hoping for a physical union of the two Commonwealth states will have to wait millions of years; however, until plate tectonics accomplish reunion.