The Alpine Fault forms the plate boundary in New Zealand’s South Island, and is a very significant fault on a global scale. It last ruptured in 1717 AD and appears to produce large earthquakes on average every 330 years. Its next rupture has a high probability (28%) of occurring in the next 50 years. Each […]
Drilling into New Zealand’s most dangerous fault Read More »
This is a classic view of the Southern Alps from Lake Matheson on a still morning, showing the high peaks of Mount Tasman and Mount Cook.The Alpine Fault runs along the foot of the steep rangefront, extending right up the West Coast of the South Island. The mountains are therefore part of the Pacific Plate
Stepping Over the Boundary Read More »
Last week I was in Hawkes Bay with geologist Kyle Bland, who led a field trip for teachers, students and parents of Crownthorpe School. Hawkes Bay geology is a story of uplift along fault lines, combined with rapid erosion and deposition by rivers flowing from the inland mountain ranges. This story is etched into the
A dynamic landscape in Hawkes Bay Read More »
The Deep Fault Drilling Project begins its first phase of drilling in the next few days. In this video Rupert Sutherland tells why scientists want to drill into New Zealand’s huge Alpine Fault.
The Deep Fault Drilling Project Read More »
For the latest on the Alpine fault drilling visit Rupert’s Blog This NASA photo of the South Island of New Zealand shows the green of lowland vegetation contrasting clearly with snow in the mountains of the Southern Alps. The straight edge of the mountains is the line of the famous Alpine Fault. This fault is
New Zealand’s Alpine Fault Read More »
LEARNZ is a unique kiwi organisation that runs ‘virtual’ field trips for primary and secondary schools in New Zealand. Using videos, audioconferences and internet based information, school kids are able to interact with scientists and other expert professionals in different parts of New Zealand. LEARNZ even runs virtual field trips to Scott Base in Antarctica.
The Wellington Fault with LEARNZ Read More »