Sea Floor Lifts 2 Meters After New Zealand Earthquake

The massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake in New Zealand was so strong that it lifted the seabed 2 meters up, exploding through the sand.

Aerial photos revealed that the scale of devastation had been dramatic on the coastline on the country's south island, Kaikoura. Scientists noted that the seabed lifted an estimated 2 meters -- something that they have never seen before.

Mail Online reported that this came after rain and strong winds battered the central parts of the country on Thursday, threatening more damage just after the quake itself killed two people and sparked landslides.

Still, the lifting of the seabed provides valuable opportunity for scientists and geologists alike. News Australia noted that co-siesmic movements, as well as the release of energy along a fault, were behind the phenomenon: some faults move side-to-side, others move vertically. But it looks like New Zealand's moved vertically, pushing land upward.

Rocks covered in barnacles and seaweed have been pushed up above the surface. Due to the sudden uplift, marine animals like lobster and abalone and other sea creatures have been stranded out of the water, drying.

Marine geologist Dr. Joshu Mountjoy admitted that this is the first time they have seen something like this -- and that it will be a while before the seabed goes back to normal again.

Over a thousand tourists and residents have now been evacuated from the seaside town with the help of a fleet of helicopters and a naval vessel.

The implications of this go beyond the rising seabed -- whale watching boats that once plied the harbor, for instance, may no longer be able to dock there, and the ocean floor has altered to a point where its impact remains unclear on the marine life -- although a shadow has been cast on the local fishing industry.

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce said, "It is clear that if we don't move quickly, much of the employment in the area will dry up."