The timing of large Holocene prehistoric earthquakes is determined by dated surface ruptures and landslides at the edge of the Australia-Pacific plate boundary zone in North Canterbury, New Zealand. Collectively, these data indicate two large (M > 7) earthquakes during the last circa 2500 years, within a newly formed zone of hybrid strike-slip and thrust faulting herein described as the Porter's Pass-to-Amberley Fault Zone (PPAFZ). Two earlier events during the Holocene are also recognized, but the data prior to 2500 years are presumed to be incomplete. A return period of 1300–2000 years between large earthquakes in the PPAFZ is consistent with a late Holocene slip rate of 3–4 mm/yr if each displacement is in the range 4–8 m. Historical seismicity in the PPAFZ is characterized by frequent small and moderate magnitude earthquakes and a seismicity rate that is identical to a region surrounding the structurally mature Hope fault of the Marlborough Fault System farther north. This is despite an order-of-magnitude difference in slip rate between the respective fault zones and considerable differences in the recurrence rate of large earthquakes. The magnitude-frequency distribution in the Hope fault region is in accord with the characteristic earthquake model, whereas the rate of large earthquakes in the PPAFZ is approximated (but over predicted) by the Gutenberg-Richter model. The comparison of these two fault zones demonstrates the importance of the structural maturity of the fault zone in relation to seismicity rates inferred from recent, historical, and paleoseismic data.
Christchurch red zone residents say the area is experiencing an increasing amount of petty crime and dumped rubbish, due to a lack of people. The red zone was established after thousands of houses - and the land underneath them - suffered severe damage in the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. Last year (2019), a Regeneration Plan for the area was signed off by the government - which included building walkways, cycleways, forests, wetlands, and sport and recreation areas. That's all designed to get people back into the red zone area - but much of the work is still years away. Logan Church met a resident who told him that in the meantime, things are deteriorating.
A major area of possible earthquake liquefaction has been identified south of Christchurch.
A photograph of a garden area on Colombo Street.
A photograph of a garden area on Colombo Street.
A photograph of a garden area and coffee kiosk on Colombo Street.
A photograph of volunteers creating a garden area on Colombo Street.
A photograph of a garden area and coffee kiosk on Colombo Street.
A photograph of a garden area and coffee kiosk on Colombo Street.
A photograph of a garden area on Colombo Street.
Two diggers on top of a pile of rubble inside the partially demolished Ozone Dressing Sheds building. The photographer comments, "The Ozone must have suffered in the February earthquake more than people thought. They were starting to repaint it inside, but it looks like they must have run out of filler".
A photograph of a garden area and coffee kiosk on Colombo Street.
A photograph of 52-58 Bangor Street.
A photograph of 56 Bangor Street.
A photograph of 58 Bangor Street.
A photograph of 38 Bangor Street.
A photograph of 38 Bangor Street.
A photograph of 38 Bangor Street.
A photograph of 58 Bangor Street.
A photograph of 56 Bangor Street.
A photograph of 56 Bangor Street.
A photograph of 58 Bangor Street.
An entry from Ruth Gardner's blog for 17 November 2012 entitled, "Royal Rendezvous".
Damaged road in Bexley.
Stopbanks around Bexley Wetland.
Stopbanks around Bexley Wetland.
Damage to houses in Bexley.
A photograph of the earthquake damage to 7 Rees Street.
A photograph of 7 Rees Street.
A photograph of the front door of 7 Rees Street. A yellow sticker taped to the door indicates that the access to the building is restricted.