Magnitude 7.1 earthquake hits close to Antarctica: USGS

A magnitude 7.1 quake struck on Monday in the southern Pacific Ocean.

A magnitude 7.1 quake struck on Monday in the southern Pacific Ocean, close to the South Sandwich Islands north of Antarctica, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

Ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica are melting faster than ever. (File Photo)

The quake, initially reported as a magnitude 7.5, was in a remote area and fairly deep underground.

The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said in an advisory that it did not cause a tsunami threat.

More details are awaited.