Magnitude 5.5 Earthquake Depth 10 km Strikes Western Indian-Antarctic Ridge on 16th January 2026

Extends roughly from the central Indian Ocean southwestward toward the Southern Ocean, between the Africa-Antarctica and India-Antarctica spreading centers. Lies south of Madagascar and east of the African continent, curving toward Antarctica. It is a divergent boundary, meaning the Indian Plate and the Antarctic Plate are moving away from each other. Part of the global Mid-Ocean Ridge system, which includes the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and East Pacific Rise. Slow seafloor spreading rates (~14–20 mm/year), especially compared to faster ridges like the East Pacific Rise. A rugged seafloor, with high-relief ridges and deep fracture zones. Transform faults (e.g., Gallieni and Atlantis II) which offset the ridge segments. Associated with moderate volcanic activity, mainly basaltic. Experiences frequent low-to-moderate magnitude earthquakes due to tectonic movement. No significant subaerial volcanic islands are directly formed here, unlike some other ridges.


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