North Korea Post-Nuclear Quakes Likely Due to Destabilized Tectonic Plates, Say Experts

A North Korean soldier gestures before the military demarcation line separating North and South Korea at the truce village of Panmunjom on Oct. 12, 2017. AFP/Getty Images

North Korea’s nuclear tests may have destabilized the tectonic plates deep underground severely enough to cause a series of earthquakes and landslides that have shaken the region.

North Korea’s sixth and last nuclear test on Sept. 3 was by far its largest. Experts say the test may have damaged the underground stability in the area of its Punggye-ri nuclear test site. If true, the site may be too dangerous to use for nuclear tests going forward.