Natural Hazards - Research Projects

Science Centres: Natural Hazards

Submarine Faulting Beneath Pegasus Bay

In September 2010 and February 2011, two devastating earthquakes (M7.1 and M6.3 respectively) hit the Canterbury region. These earthquakes, as well as M6.3 and M6.0 aftershocks in June 2011 and December 2011, respectively, ruptured a complex network of previously unknown faults hidden beneath North Canterbury. After the devastating February earthquake, it was recognised that far more information was needed about these faults, their location, and behaviour if Christchurch and its residents were to best understand the seismic future of the region. 

Coastal Adaptation to Climate Change

 

NIWA is developing guidelines and advice to help coastal communities adapt to climate change.

Physical Hazards Affecting Coastal Margins and the Continental Shelf

This programme is about providing improved knowledge of the causes and potential consequences of coastal hazards in New Zealand, and how often they might pose a threat.

Wave And Storm-surge Projections (WASP)

NIWA is working on a FRST-funded project to produce a model, validated by 40 years of historic data, to project future wave and storm surges off the coast for two climate change scenarios. This will be at a nationally consistent scale around New Zealand and will help decision makers plan for future hazards. We intend to make the results available in an online tool, and are looking for feedback about what people want from this.