Incredible pictures show how massive New Zealand earthquake lifted sea bed TWO METRES causing it to burst through the beach
The devastating 7.8 magnitude quake caused a tsunami, killed two and left thousands homeless
BIZARRE alien-like rocks have crawled out of the sea in the wake of the monster magnitude 7.8 earthquake which shook New Zealand on Monday.
The quake has lifted the seabed up by two metres in some places - a phenomena which has puzzled scientists.
It's visible and surreal evidence of what has gone on far beneath the earth’s surface.
The damage, north of Kaikoura on the coast of New Zealand’s south island has exposed the seaweed strewn rocks, pushing them onto the beach and into the open air.
They show the snail and mollusc-covered seabed now exposed metres above the ground and other sealife which won’t survive in the open air.
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Experts believe it’s the first time an earthquake has resulted in the seabed around New Zealand to lift, according to Stuff.
And it provides a valuable opportunity for scientists and geologists, marine geologist Dr Joshu Mountjoy told the website.
Co-seismic movement, the seismic release of energy along a fault, was behind the phenomenon, he said.
While some faults move side-to-side, others move vertically and the after-effects from the most recent earthquake look as if they moved vertically and pushed land upwards.
“I’ve never seen it before during an earthquake and it’s the first time we’ve seen something like this,” Mountjoy said.
"It will take a while before this becomes normal again.”
The quake has thrust up the seabed by metres in some places, meaning the whale watching boats that once plied Kaikoura Harbour may no longer be able to dock there.
The ocean floor has altered to such an extent that the impact on marine life is unclear, casting a shadow over the local fishing industry.
“It is clear that if we don’t move quickly, much of the employment in the area will dry up,” Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce said.
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