The Fiordland earthquake sequence of 1960, and seismic velocities beneath New Zealand

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Abstract
The shallow earthquake of magnitude 7.0 which occurred in Fiordland on 24 May 1960 was accompanied by 16 foreshocks and 96 aftershocks of magnitude 4.0 or larger. The number of these earthquakes, N, having a magnitude M or larger varies with M according to the equation N = a − bM, with b = 1.05. The frequency of occurrence of aftershocks decreased with time in accordance with Omori's equation. Almost all of the epicentres are the same as that of the main shock; however, considering the accuracy of their location, they could be up to about 15 km away. Estimates of the seismic wave velocities beneath New Zealand are obtained from readings of 15 of the earthquakes. The P n velocity of 8.13 ± 0.05 km/sec and the S n velocity of 4.72 ± 0.03 km/sec are based on readings at stations near the same azimuth out to 10° epicentral distance. At stations within 4°, P* and S* phases are prominent and propagate with velocities of 6.59 ± 0.10 km/sec and 3.74 ± 0.11 km/sec respectively.

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