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Brief Description of Projects

◊ Paradigm of Alpine Fault Paleoseismicity - Robert Langridge (GNS Science)

This research will re-assess the timing and slip distribution of the last few Alpine Fault earthquake ruptures in the transition from the central to northern sections, leading to a clearer understanding of future rupture behaviour and hazard posed by the Alpine Fault. 

◊ Shaken and stirred: investigation into the potential triggering of eruptions at Okataina Caldera? Ian Hamling (GNS Science)

Using InSAR and GPS data along with other geophysical and petrological information, this research will measure and model surface deformation over the Okataina Volcanic Complex at an unsurpassed spatial and temporal resolution, revealing the dynamics of one of the world’s most productive volcanic systems.

◊ Unknown faults under cities - Pilar Villamor (GNS Science)

Using Dunedin as a pilot study, this research will apply an innovative multidisciplinary approach to identify active faults under or in close proximity to the city, where surface evidence has been modified or removed, or where the built environment precludes a great number of scientific investigations.

◊ Modelling EQ engineering seismic parameters - Caroline Holden & Yoshi Kaneko (GNS Science)

The Hikurangi subduction is potentially the largest contributor to seismic hazard in the Wellington region, so understanding earthquake source parameters that control the ground motions from mega-thrust earthquakes is critical for seismic hazard assessments. This research will use recent advances in source characterisation, source modelling techniques and computing performance to model more realistic and more numerous ground-motion simulations.

◊ Southern Lakes Tsunami hazard - Joshu Mountjoy (NIWA)

This research will develop New Zealand’s capability to assess tsunami hazard from terrestrial and subaqueous slope collapse in lakes, a hazard that has not been quantified and is likely to be an under-appreciated risk.

◊ High Water Red Alert calendar - Rob Bell & Emily Lane (NIWA)

This project will develop an operational high-water red-alert calendar as a practical tool for coastal managers and CDEM groups, to provide 1-3 months forewarning of the background conditions that prime coastal areas for inundation events including storm surge and tsunamis.

◊ Marlborough Faults - Philip Barnes (NIWA)

This research will provide new data and advanced understanding of major crustal faults in the coastal region of eastern Marlborough, to underpin future improvements in seismic hazard models for New Zealand.

◊ Faster flood forecasting - Graeme Smart (NIWA)

This research will adapt and combine existing rainfall, hydrologic and hydrodynamic models to develop flood inundation forecasting to deliver simpler, faster, more accurate flood inundation predictions and reduce flood-induced losses across New Zealand.

◊ National Volcano Hazard Model - Mark Bebbington (Massey University)

This research will initiate the development of a national-level volcanic hazard model, a pre-requisite to placing volcanic risk on a platform for comparing it to other hazards such as earthquakes, and its incorporation into risk and economic growth models, policy and planning (♦ Link). 

  • Publication: Stirling M et al  (2017) Conceptual Development of a National Volcanic Hazard Model for New Zealand. Frontiers in Earth Science 5:51. doi: 10.3389/feart.2017.00051 Available online. 
  • Final Report (♦ Link)

◊ Large-scale pyroclastic density current hazard impact simulations - Gert Lube (Massey University)

Using life-scaled experiments to develop a robust and highly-applicable Pyroclastic Density Current (PDC) hazard model to predict PDC run-out and destruction potential, this research will provide a link between field, risk assessment and numerical research, to develop a model for public safety purposes (♦ Link).

◊ Coupled soil-foundation-structure systems earthquake response - Nawawi Chouw (University of Auckland)

This research will explore the dynamics of the soil-foundation-structure system in order to develop recommendations for the seismic design of multiple interacting structure-foundation footing systems. The research will address recommendations of the Canterbury Earthquake Royal Commission and ultimately improve the earthquake resilience of NZ cities.

◊ Seismic hazard of Kekerengu Fault - Timothy Little (Victoria University, Wellington)

The Kekerengu Fault is potentially the fastest slipping fault within 100 km of Wellington City, other than the subduction megathrust. This research will examine active deformation onshore and offshore for central New Zealand, to resolve the seismic hazard posed by a poorly understood but major active fault.

The Kekerengu Fault is one of several faults that ruptured in the recent Kaikoura Earthquake.

◊ Disaster risk management full cost accounting (FCA) - Charlotte Brown & Nicky Smith (Resilient Organisations)

This research will develop a prototype FCA framework specifically designed to support disaster risk management decision making, through the consideration of the costs, benefits and interactions between all capitals, giving the decision maker a broader view of policy and investment decisions. 

  • See their report -

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Last updated 8 Jan 2018