What Could Have Caused the Quakes in South America, New Zealand, and Italy?

It was October 27 when a terrifying quake hit Italy. This was the second event that followed another deadly quake earlier this year. Then, the world was surprised when an earthquake hit Christchurch in New Zealand, sending people to alarm when it was estimated to be followed by a tsunami. Just hours after the quake in New Zealand, another very strong tremor was felt in South America. The question in everyone's minds is: what could have caused these tremors? And the most important of all is, are they all related?

Italy has been known to be quite prone to tremors and seismic activity. According to a report from Express UK, there are multiple fault lines that run throughout the length of the country. In fact, the Alps mountain range is a by-product of the convergence between the European and African plates, an event causing further growth of the Himalayas every year. Pressure found between the two plates may create pressure from the ground causing vibrations to the surface. Known as the "Spine of Italy," all places that are within the region are very susceptible to earthquakes.

As for South America and New Zealand, both are located in the Pacific Ring of Fire. This is a place in the world best known for the formation of thousands upon thousands of volcanoes and high-risk earthquakes. This "Ring of Fire" spans from North and South America to Asia Pacific, affecting areas such as Indonesia, Japan, and New Zealand.

For all those who are curious about whether or not all these tremors are linked, the answer is "maybe but probably not." If there may be a link to all three devastating quakes, then scientists are yet to discover it. Vibrations on the earth's surface happen every day. Most of it we don't notice or pass off as mere tolerable shaking. This means that all plates are in constant contact and pressure. However, it is highly likely that some are stronger and more devastating than others. Scientists are yet to discover how to predict earthquakes, but at this point, preparedness may be our only mitigation.