Blog of Julian, educational outreach facilitator at GNS Science. Includes information on GNS Science field trips; explanations of New Zealand geology; video clips; and sections on the Christchurch earthquakes, and New Zealand fossils.
GNS seismologists explain why the Darfield and Christchurch earthquakes were so damaging and 'punchy'
Geologist and paleontologist at GNS Science Hamish Campbell discusses the geology behind the Christchurch earthquake.
John Townend is a seismologist for GNS; and an Associate Professor at the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
John Townend is a seismologist for GNS; and an Associate Professor at the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
John Townend is a seismologist for GNS; and an Associate Professor at the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
John Townend is a seismologist for GNS; and an Associate Professor at the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Erosion to earthquakes with geologist and paleontologist Dr Hamish Campbell from GNS science. Chatham Islands geology and it's links with Christchurch and Canterbury.
Scientists from GNS Science have faced tough criticism at the Royal Commission into the Canterbury earthquakes, being accused of funneling resources into the wrong areas and giving vague advice on earthquake risks.
An American quake expert has criticised the risk assessment done following the Canterbury earthquake, and suggested authorities are being too cautious.
Canterbury's earthquake risk has caught up to Wellington's.
The warnings, or lack of them from the government's scientists about the likely size of aftershocks following the first Canterbury earthquake have been a focus of the Royal Commission into the quakes.
Scientists are just beginning to understand why the recent Canterbury earthquakes 'punched above their size', and their findings could change international scientific thinking about earthquakes. Alison Ballance talks with GNS seismologists Martin Reyners and Bill Fry to find out more.
The previously unknown Greendale Fault ruptured to the ground surface, causing up to 5 metres horizontal and 1 metre vertical permanent offset of the ground, during the September 2010 Darfield (Canterbury) earthquake. Environment Canterbury commissioned GNS Science, with help from the University of Canterbury, to define a fault avoidance zone and to estimate the fault recurrence interval. There is little evidence for past movement on the fault in the past 16,000 years. However, because of the uncertainties involved, a conservative approach was taken and the fault has been categorised as a Recurrence Interval Class IV fault (a recurrence interval of between 5,000 and 10,000 years). A PhD study by a University of Canterbury student will work towards refining the Recurrence Interval Class over the next three years. Taking a risk-based approach, the Ministry for the Environment Active Fault Guidelines recommend that normal residential development be allowed within the fault avoidance zone for faults of this Recurrence Interval Class, but recommends restrictions for larger community buildings or facilities with post-disaster functions. The report is assisting Selwyn District Council in granting consents for rebuilding houses on or near the Greendale Fault that were damaged by permanent distortion of the ground due to the fault rupture in the September 2010 earthquake. The report provides specific recommendations for building on or close to the Greendale Fault, which are being implemented by Selwyn District Council. See Object Overview for background and usage information.