Science Media Centre

Rather than the initial reports of a single 7.5-magnitude earthquake based near Hanmer Springs the now-named Kaikoura quake is believed to be a multiple rupture involving four faults, with the two-minute long event actually comprising of a reverse fault thrust near Culverden, and a series of strike slip thrusts near Kaikoura heading northward towards Wellington. […]

A campylobacter outbreak in Havelock North affected an estimated 4000 people, sent dozens to the emergency department and sparked an inquiry into what happened and how well the response was managed. We’ve worked with experts to answer some simple and frequently-asked questions about the water in our aquifers, how it’s linked to surface water, and […]

UPDATED 10.50AM AUG 8: An explosive eruption overnight on Mount Tongariro has spread ash across the Central North Island and led to travel warnings on major highways in the region. The volcano remains at alert level 2, indicating the onset of eruptive activity and changes to indicators of unrest. GNS Science is closely monitoring the situation. […]

Researchers are continuing their quest for detail the remains of the once famous Pink and White Terraces buried at the bottom of Lake Rotomahana. The picturesque terraces, once described as the eighth wonder of the natural world, were buried in the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886. This week researchers are heading out on to […]

Scientists spoke this week at the first of many hearings held by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Canterbury Earthquakes. The Science Media Centre has drawn together the some of the media coverage so far. The commission’s inquiry will report on the causes of building failure as a result of the quakes and the […]

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. […]

As the land beneath Christchurch continues to shake due to ongoing aftershocks, residents are are seeking answers from the experts. In an ‘ask an expert’ article published today on the Press website, reader’s questions such as  “why so many aftershocks?”  are put to scientists from GNS. An excerpt (read the full article here): Ask an […]

Following the Canterbury earthquakes, scientists have been working hard to provide clear and accurate information for the people of Christchurch. Reporting for The Press, Vivki Anderson captured the thoughts of Dr Kelvin Berryman (GNS Science) on science communication. An excerpt (read in full here): Don’t blame the scientists – it’s not their fault. When Dr […]

Geothermal energy now generates around 13 percent of New Zealand’s electricity, but scientists gathering this week in Taupo will explore options for vastly expanding the resource’s potential. A two-day workshop (25 – 26 May) “HADES: Hotter and Deeper Exploration Science” will bring together engineers and geothermal specialists from 10 countries to discuss the international context […]

Three-dimensional laser scans of the shattered cliff faces of Christchurch’s seaside suburbs are helping scientists work out if any more rocks are likely to fall. Radio New Zealand’s science reporter Will Hine caught up with GNS surveyor Garth Archibald in Sumner to see how they work. You can listen to the interview here.