The timing of large Holocene prehistoric earthquakes is determined by dated surface ruptures and landslides at the edge of the Australia-Pacific plate boundary zone in North Canterbury, New Zealand. Collectively, these data indicate two large (M > 7) earthquakes during the last circa 2500 years, within a newly formed zone of hybrid strike-slip and thrust faulting herein described as the Porter's Pass-to-Amberley Fault Zone (PPAFZ). Two earlier events during the Holocene are also recognized, but the data prior to 2500 years are presumed to be incomplete. A return period of 1300–2000 years between large earthquakes in the PPAFZ is consistent with a late Holocene slip rate of 3–4 mm/yr if each displacement is in the range 4–8 m. Historical seismicity in the PPAFZ is characterized by frequent small and moderate magnitude earthquakes and a seismicity rate that is identical to a region surrounding the structurally mature Hope fault of the Marlborough Fault System farther north. This is despite an order-of-magnitude difference in slip rate between the respective fault zones and considerable differences in the recurrence rate of large earthquakes. The magnitude-frequency distribution in the Hope fault region is in accord with the characteristic earthquake model, whereas the rate of large earthquakes in the PPAFZ is approximated (but over predicted) by the Gutenberg-Richter model. The comparison of these two fault zones demonstrates the importance of the structural maturity of the fault zone in relation to seismicity rates inferred from recent, historical, and paleoseismic data.
Taken in Christchurch, New Zealand a few days after the 7.1 earthquake that happened on Saturday September 4.
Reinforcing the apex of the clocktower gable.
Damage from the Christchurch 7.1 earthquake on 4th Sept 2010
Damage from the Christchurch 7.1 earthquake on 4th Sept 2010
A video of an interview with David Stanley, Director of Canterbury Biltong, about the company's experiences after the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. This video is part of The Press's 'Up and Running' series, showcasing businesses which have stayed up and running despite the challenges posed by the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes.
A scanned copy of the cover page of a theis written by David Lockwood for an MSc in Physics at the University of Canterbury. The thesis is titled "The Action of a Sound Field on Colloids" and was submitted in 1964.
A scanned copy of a black and white photograph belonging to University of Canterbury alumnus Colin Lau. Colin describes the photograph as follows: "A scene of the 1971 parade (procession) that celebrates 'University Graduation Day' according to the note on the back of that photo".
A report card rating the Earthquake Recovery Minister's handling of the Canterbury earthquakes.
A graphic illustrating the relationship between Cabinet and the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Commission.
A page banner for a feature titled, "The Canterbury Quake: One year on".
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Murray Sherwin, chairman of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Commission".
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Murray Sherwin, chairman of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Commission".
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Murray Sherwin, chairman of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Commission".
A page banner promoting an article about eleven new reasons to love Canterbury.
A piece of personal experience writing about the Canterbury earthquakes, written by Max.
A map showing the location of petroleum exploration permits in the Canterbury Basin.
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Peter Townsend during a press conference following Canterbury's earthquake".
The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee refused to be interviewed on Checkpoint.
Aid agencies in Canterbury say the earthquake recovery is putting buildings before people.
We're joined by the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority's chief executive Roger Sutton.
It's estimated up to 150 businesses will go bust following the Canterbury earthquake.
Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister, Gerry Brownlee says insurers have obligations under their policies.
Canterbury earthquakes is recommending toughening the standards for concrete buildings and structural steel.
Oral history interview with Mary Hobbs about her experiences of the Canterbury earthquakes.
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Roger Sutton during a press conference following Canterbury's earthquake".
A piece of personal experience writing about the Canterbury earthquakes, written by Mitchell.
A piece of personal experience writing about the Canterbury earthquakes, written by George.
A piece of personal experience writing about the Canterbury earthquakes, written by Sean.
A piece of personal experience writing about the Canterbury earthquakes, written by Tim.