Scientist are planning to drill deep in the Alpine Fault to learn more about the fault and the earthquakes it produces with surprising regularity – at least in geological terms.
The location is regarded by scientists as one of the best sites in the world to study the inner workings of a major plate boundary fault. Project co-leader Rupert Sutherland, of GNS Science, explains the project in the video below.
The project involves scientists – and funding – from more than a dozen organisations in New Zealand, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It is being led by scientists from GNS Science, Victoria University of Wellington, and the University of Otago.
You can read more about the project on the GNS Science website.
The project has been covered by several media outlets. Examples include:
NZ Herald: Researchers to bore major fault
3 News: Drilling for study to begin on Alpine Fault
Dunedin TV: Otago scientists part of an elite team to research Alpine Fault
MSN NZ: Alpine Fault to be drilled in study
The Press: Alpine Fault drilling starts in three months