Magnitude 5.8 earthquake — Bouvet Island region
A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck near Bouvet Island region at a depth of about 12 km. Details, shaking intensity and any tsunami information are on the USGS event page.
Explained simply
Bouvet Island is a remote, uninhabited volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean, between South Africa and Antarctica. It is a Norwegian territory and lies near the boundary between major sections of the Earth’s crust.
Earthquakes happen when pressure builds and is released as these sections move. The depth and strength of a quake can help scientists assess where it occurred and how it may have affected the surrounding area.