A new study reveals the likelihood of a future earthquake occurring along the Nevis-Cardrona Fault in western Otago is lower than previously thought.
It also provides new constraints for estimating earthquake hazards around the rapidly developing Queenstown-Wānaka region.
Led by the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka and funded by a Natural Hazards Commission (NHC) Toka Tū Ake University Research Programme grant, researchers excavated the southern part of the fault to determine when prehistoric earthquakes took place.
While doing so, they discovered new information which updates research from the 1980s.
Jack Williams
Lead author Dr Jack Williams, of the Department of Geology, says prior studies have recognised the possibility of future earthquakes, but their rate and size were unclear.
"Our new data suggests that the rate of prehistoric Nevis-Cardrona Fault earthquake is lower than estimated by these previous studies." – Dr Jack Williams
"Our new data suggests that the rate of prehistoric Nevis-Cardrona Fault earthquake is lower than estimated by these previous studies," he says.
"Although, it does serve as a reminder that earthquakes can happen anywhere across Aotearoa, and we should all prepare and plan accordingly."
