Slow Slip Displacement Map (IMAGE) University of Texas at Austin Caption An illustration of the amount of slow slip in centimeters that occurred after the magnitude 7.8 Kaikoura earthquake in November 2016. This is the most widespread occurrence of slow slip seen in New Zealand since scientists first observed this phenomenon in 2002. Afterslip is also shown. Afterslip is typical movement that occurs after an earthquake, but is a result of a different process than slow slip. The inset schematic shows the tectonic plates under the North Island. The Pacific Plate is moving west and is being forced under the Australian plate. The boundary where the two plates meet is under the sea east of the North Island. Credit GNS Science Usage Restrictions Credit image License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.