(C)ould ocean floor energy release, even perhaps micro, very small movements, immeasurable movements, cause this? Or even no movement, but energy release of another variety? Something is causing this choppy water.

EDIT: Before the 7.1 yesterday, the water was smooth, very smooth and calm.

All we can do is record observations.

One thing that we have observed is that the notion that a mid to large (4-6) sized earthquake 'releases the pressure' is crap. More often it seems to presage an active period - setting off a chain reaction.

It's interesting that prediction has advanced to the level of a 'trough warning' - i've not seen that before.