Scientists say the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that devastated the Chilean city of Concepcion shifted it more than three meters to the west. Researchers from several universities in the United States also say the February 27th quake was so powerful it moved the capital of Santiago about 27 centimeters to the west-southwest. Even the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires, located more than 1,400 kilometers east of Santiago, shifted more than two centimeters to the west.
The researchers compared data taken by global positioning satellites before and after the earthquake to reach their conclusions.
Even though these events were taking place on the other side of the globe, the knock-on effect is being felt right here locally.
Over the last 24 hours there has been a gradual increase in seismic activity and intensity and with one or two larger peaks being registered in just the last two hours.