On July 3, 2002 a moderate sized earthquake (M~4) occurred roughly 30 km northwest of the Magic Mountain hydrothermal vent site (see Ocean Explorer logbook for site description). The earthquake seems to have been caused by motion of off-axis faults well west of the Explorer neo-volcanic zone. On July 8, two more small earthquakes occurred 70-100 km northwest of the Explorer Ridge along a large strike-slip fault called the Revere-Dellwood Transfrom. These earthquakes are representative of the typical "background" level of seismicity for this region.

Visit NOAA's Ocean Explorer to read all about the expeditions.

Follow these scientists July 13-21 as they explore an undersea volcano, Axial Volcano, as part of the New Millennium Observatory, NeMO.