Scientists have detected that New Zealand was moved about 30cm closer to Australia by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the Tasman Sea last week. The South Island was effected the most.

The quake also produced a small tsunami and coastal New Zealanders had been advised to take to higher ground. One scientist explained it: "Basically, New Zealand just got a little bit bigger is another way to think about it."

New Zealand is often subject to quakes, due to its location at the meeting point between the Pacific and Australian continental plates.

Source: news.bbc.co.uk

Date: 12:55 Tuesday, 21.July.2009