This manuscript provides a critical examination of the ground motions recorded in the near-source region resulting from the 22 February 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Particular attention is given to reconciling the observed spatial distribution of ground motions in terms of physical phenomena related to source, path and site effects. The large number of near-source observed strong ground motions show clear evidence of: forward-directivity, basin generated surface waves, liquefaction and other significant nonlinear site response. The pseudo-acceleration response spectra (SA) amplitudes and significant duration of strong motions agree well with empirical prediction models, except at long vibration periods where the influence of basin-generated surface waves and nonlinear site response are significant and not adequately accounted for in empirical SA models. Pseudo-acceleration response spectra are also compared with those observed in the 4 September 2010 Darfield earthquake and routine design response spectra used in order to emphasise the amplitude of ground shaking and elucidate the importance of local geotechnical characteristics on surface ground motions. The characteristics of the observed vertical component accelerations are shown to be strongly dependent on source-to-site distance and are comparable with those from the 4 September 2010 Darfield earthquake, implying the large amplitudes observed are simply a result of many observations at close distances rather than a peculiar source effect.
A story submitted by Mike Williams to the QuakeStories website.
A photograph of members of the Wellington Emergency Management Office Emergency Response Team and the Red Cross, standing on the corner of Lichfield and High Streets. In the background large piles of rubble from earthquake-damaged buildings line the street.
Members of USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) being briefed after their early-morning arrival from Los Angeles. The 80-person DART team arrived in Christchurch to assist local authorities after the 22 February 2011 earthquake.
Al Dwyer, and members of the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) outside their headquarters in Latimer Square. Latimer Square was set up as a temporary headquarters for emergency management personnel after the 22 February 2011 earthquake.
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 10 April 2011 entitled, "Day 48 - Foraging and Fences".
A story submitted by Kalena to the QuakeStories website.
A story submitted by Tracy to the QuakeStories website.
A story submitted by Alison Downes to the QuakeStories website.
A photograph of a member of the Wellington Emergency Management Office Emergency Response Team walking across Manchester Street. In the background is a block of earthquake-damaged buildings. Large sections of the buildings have collapsed and the rubble has spilled onto the street below.
The Taiwanese Search and Rescue team being farewelled at the Christchurch International Airport after helping out with the emergency response to the Canterbury Earthquake.
The Taiwanese Search and Rescue team being farewelled at the Christchurch International Airport after helping out with the emergency response to the Canterbury Earthquake.
The Taiwanese Search and Rescue team being farewelled at the Christchurch International Airport after helping out with the emergency response to the Canterbury Earthquake.
The Taiwanese Search and Rescue team being farewelled at the Christchurch International Airport after helping out with the emergency response to the Canterbury Earthquake.
The Taiwanese Search and Rescue team being farewelled at the Christchurch International Airport after helping out with the emergency response to the Canterbury Earthquake.
Members of the USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) setting up a tent in Latimer Square after their early-morning arrival in Christchurch. Latimer Square was set up as a temporary headquarters for emergency management personnel after the 22 February 2011 earthquake.
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 11 December 2011 entitled, "Scenes in Sumner".
A photograph looking north-west down High Street towards the intersection with Manchester Street. Rubble from several earthquake-damaged buildings lines both sides of the street. In the distance members of the Wellington Emergency Management Office Emergency Response Team and several excavators are working.
Members of the New Zealand Fire Service and USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) shaking hands outside the Christchurch City Fire Station on Kilmore Street. DART travelled to Christchurch after the 22 February 2011 earthquake to help out in the relief efforts.
The Taiwanese Search and Rescue team at Christchurch International Airport. The team is heading home after helping with the emergency response to the Canterbury Earthquake.
The Taiwanese Search and Rescue team at Christchurch International Airport. The team is heading home after helping with the emergency response to the Canterbury Earthquake.
The Taiwanese Search and Rescue team at Christchurch International Airport. The team is heading home after helping with the emergency response to the Canterbury Earthquake.
The Taiwanese Search and Rescue team at Christchurch International Airport. The team is heading home after helping with the emergency response to the Canterbury Earthquake.
The Taiwanese Search and Rescue team at Christchurch International Airport. The team is heading home after helping with the emergency response to the Canterbury Earthquake.
A press release from the United States Embassy New Zealand about the USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team gifting their New Zealand counterparts around $600,000 worth of sophisticated detection and rescue equipment after the 22 February 2011 earthquake.
A photograph of members of the Wellington Emergency Management Office Emergency Response Team walking down Lichfield Street towards the intersection of Manchester Street. Buildings on either side of the team have been damaged by the earthquake. Plastic and wire fences line the street to the right.
A photograph of members of the Wellington Emergency Management Office Emergency Response Team and the Red Cross, standing on the corner of Lichfield and Manchester Street. In the background an excavator is parked on the road. Behind the excavator is a block of earthquake-damaged buildings.
A photograph of a member of the Wellington Emergency Management Office Emergency Response Team walking down Manchester Street. In the background is a group of earthquake-damaged shops. The outer walls of the top storeys of the shops have collapsed, the bricks spilling onto the street.
A member of the New Zealand Police photographed with a member of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Personnel from the Los Angeles County Fire Department travelled to New Zealand to help out with the search and rescue response to the 22 February 2011 earthquake.
A photograph of the Wellington Emergency Management Office Emergency Response Team standing in a car park on Lichfield Street. The team are wearing face and gas masks, hard hats, safety glasses, knee pads, and rubber gloves. In the background are several earthquake-damaged buildings.