Science Media Centre

Christchurch researchers have retrospectively analysed the Canterbury quakes from the perspective of urban forest management, highlighting the important role trees and greenspaces played during the earthquakes. In the research article, published this week in the journal Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, researchers point out how rows trees acted as sheltering barricades against falling debris and [...]

Scientists have confirmed in a new research paper on last year’s disastrous February 22  Christchurch aftershock that computer modelling showed a week beforehand that there was a 25 percent  chance of “a magnitude 6 or greater earthquake occurring in the general aftershock zone of the Darfield earthquake in the next year”.      The paper [...]

Scientists  behind the first big compilation of research into the  Christchurch earthquakes say the seismic risk to the whole of the South Island’s east coast needs to reviewed — and one group of American researchers has warned of risks for Dunedin. The research published in a special edition of a science journal, Seismological Research Letters [...]

Although many people would like them to, scientists cannot predict earthquakes. They can, however, estimate the probability of one occurring using hazard modelling systems. Paul Gorman from the Press quizzed GNS Science on the most up-to-date odds of another strong shake hitting quake-stricken Christchurch. An excerpt (read in full here): One in seven chance of [...]

In another ‘Ask the Experts’ section in the Press, geologists from GNS answer earthquake questions posed by readers of the newspaper. An excerpt (read in full here): Ask an Expert: Faultline fears and P-waves We have been told the potential size of an earthquake is proportionate to the length of the faultline that caused it. [...]

Following yesterday’s two earthquakes in Canterbury, the media sought out experts to explain what happened and, perhaps more importantly, was is going to happen beneath the city of Christchurch. The news reports below detail the response of seismologists to the strong aftershocks experienced yesterday and warnings of future aftershocks. Media coverage: New Zealand Herald: Swarm [...]

Christchurch was struck by two strong aftershocks this afternoon. Details of the severity and the extent of damage continue to emerge. Still recovering from the September and February earthquakes, Christchurch was struck by two strong aftershock earthquakes this afternoon. The first aftershock struck at 1pm. The magnitude 5.5 quake was centred at Taylor’s Mistake, a [...]

Experts have been examining the earthquake risks in Canada and how best to prepare for one – drawing on lessons learned in New Zealand’s Canterbury earthquakes. The recent earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan have understandably led to local concern about geological hazards in other parts of the world.  Our colleagues at the Canadian SMC [...]

As more buildings in Christchurch are tagged for demolition, NZ Herald reporter Paul Harper looks at what the future holds for the city’s planners and how they might be informed by the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Conference currently being held in Auckland today. Update: The conference has also received coverage on TV3′s morning show Firstline, which [...]

Engineers are calling for a rethink in building design and standards in the wake of the Christchurch earthquakes. Designing to save buildings as well as lives would improve the resilience of crucial infrastructure following high magnitude quakes. A major gathering of earthquake engineers from New Zealand and overseas kicks off in Auckland tomorrow (14-16 April). The [...]