Actual Data of Subduction Zone Water (IMAGE) University of Utah Caption This illustration -- a cross section of the Earth from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean across New Zealand’s South Island -- shows the actual data used to produce the previous illustration. Earthquakes (plus symbols) have been superimposed. The plus symbols across the top of the illustration represent quakes on or near faults, which are the angled white lines protruding downward from the top of the illustration. The array of plus signs stretching from upper right to lower left represent the subduction zone, where the Pacific Plate (on the right) is diving under the Australian Plate, on the left. Greenish, yellow and orange colors represent areas of high electrical conductivity, showing where water is rising from the subduction zone to pave the way for future earthquakes. Credit Phil Wannamaker and Doug Jensen, University of Utah. Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.