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Research papers, University of Canterbury Library

Documenting earthquake-induced ground deformation is significant to assess the characteristics of past and contemporary earthquakes and provide insight into seismic hazard. This study uses airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and conducts multi-disciplinary field techniques to document the surface rupture morphology and evaluate the paleoseismicity and seismic hazard parameters of the Hurunui segment of the Hope Fault in the northern South Island of New Zealand. It also documents and evaluates seismically induced features and ground motion characteristics of the 2010 Darfield and 2011 Christchurch earthquakes in the Port Hills, south of Christchurch. These two studies are linked in that they investigate the near-field coseismic features of large (Mw ~7.1) earthquakes in New Zealand and produce data for evaluating seismic hazards of future earthquakes. In the northern South Island of New Zealand, the Australian-Pacific plate boundary is characterised by strike-slip deformation across the Marlborough Fault System (MFS). The ENE-striking Hope Fault (length: ~230 km) is the youngest and southernmost fault in the MFS, and the second fastest slipping fault in New Zealand. The Hope Fault is a major source of seismic hazard in New Zealand and has ruptured (in-part) historically in the Mw 7.1 1888 Amuri earthquake. In the west, the Hurunui segment of the Hope Fault is covered by beech forest. Hence, its seismic hazard parameters and paleoearthquake chronology were poorly constrained and it was unknown whether the 1888 earthquake ruptured this segment or not and if so, to what extent. Utilising LiDAR and field data, a 29 km-long section of the Hurunui segment of the Hope Fault is mapped. LiDAR-mapping clearly reveals the principal slip zone (PSZ) of the fault and a suite of previously unrecognised structures that form the fault deformation zone (FDZ). FDZ width measurements from 415 locations reveal a spatially-variable, active FDZ up to ~500 m wide with an average width of 200 m. Kinematic analysis of the fault structures shows that the Hurunui segment strikes between 070° and 075° and is optimally oriented for dextral strike-slip within the regional stress field. This implies that the wide FDZ observed is unlikely to result from large-scale fault mis-orientation with respect to regional stresses. The analysis of FDZ width indicates that it increases with increased hanging wall topography and increased topographic relief suggesting that along-strike topographic perturbations to fault geometry and stress states increase fault zone complexity and width. FDZ width also increases where the tips of adjacent PSZ strands locally vary in strike, and where the thickness of alluvial deposits overlying bedrock increases. LiDAR- and photogrammetrically-derived topographic mapping indicates that the boundary between the Hurunui and Hope River segments is characterised by a ~850-m-wide right stepover and a 9º-14° fault bend. Paleoseismic trenching at Hope Shelter site reveals that 6 earthquakes occurred at A.D. 1888, 1740-1840, 1479-1623, 819-1092, 439-551, and 373- 419. These rupture events have a mean recurrence interval of ~298 ± 88 yr and inter-event times ranging from 98 to 595 yrs. The variation in the inter-event times is explained by (1) coalescing rupture overlap from the adjacent Hope River segment on to the Hurunui segment at the study site, (2) temporal clustering of large earthquakes on the Hurunui segment, and/or (3) ‘missing’ rupture events. It appears that the first two options are more plausible to explain the earthquake chronologies and rupture behaviour on the Hurunui segment, given the detailed nature of the geologic and chronologic investigations. This study provides first evidence for coseismic multi-segment ruptures on the Hope Fault by identifying a rupture length of 44-70 km for the 1888 earthquake, which was not confined to the Hope River segment (primary source for the 1888 earthquake). LiDAR data is also used to identify and measure dextral displacements and scarp heights from the PSZ and structures within the FDZ along the Hurunui segment. Reconstruction of large dextrally-offset geomorphic features shows that the vertical component of slip accounts for only ~1% of the horizontal displacements and confirms that the fault is predominantly strike-slip. A strong correlation exists between the dextral displacements and elevations of geomorphic features suggesting the possibility of age correlation between the geomorphic features. A mean single event displacement (SED) of 3.6 ± 0.7 m is determined from interpretation of sets of dextral displacements of ≤ 25 m. Using the available surface age data and the cumulative dextral displacements from Matagouri Flat, McKenzie Fan, Macs Knob and Hope River sites, and the mean SED, a mean slip rate of 12.2 ± 2.4 mm/yr, and a mean recurrence interval of ~320 ± 120 yr, and a potential earthquake magnitude of Mw 7.2 are determined for the Hurunui segment. This study suggests that the fault slip rate has been constant over the last ~15000 yr. Strong ground motions from the 2010 Darfield (Canterbury) earthquake displaced boulders and caused ground damage on some ridge crests in the Port Hills. However, the 2011 Christchurch earthquake neither displaced boulders nor caused ground damage at the same ridge crests. Documentation of locations (~400 m a.s.l.), lateral displacements (8-970 cm), displacement direction (250° ± 20°) of displaced boulders, in addition to their hosting socket geometries (< 1 cm to 50 cm depth), the orientation of the ridges (000°-015°) indicate that boulders have been displaced in the direction of instrumentally recorded transient peak ground horizontal displacements nearby and that the seismic waves have been amplified at the study sites. The co-existence of displaced and non-displaced boulders at proximal sites suggests small-scale ground motion variability and/or varying boulder-ground dynamic interactions relating to shallow phenomena such as variability in soil depth, bedrock fracture density and/or microtopography on the bedrock-soil interface. Shorter shaking duration of the 2011 Christchurch event, differing frequency contents and different source characteristics were all factors that may have contributed to generating circumstances less favourable to boulder displacement in this earthquake. Investigating seismically induced features, fault behaviour, site effects on the rupture behaviour, and site response to the seismic waves provides insights into fault rupture hazards.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of the south end of Latimer Square near Hereford Street. A generator has been hooked up to a power board which has several power plugs attached to it. A crate of supplies is sitting behind the power board. Wire fencing has been set up in the background as a cordon, and emergency tape has been draped between the trees. Behind this there are earthquake-damaged buildings, excavators and their parts, and rubble on Madras Street.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of Erica Duthie from Tape Art NZ (left) with Community and Public Health staff in front of the large tape art mural. The staff are modelling for the 'bubble maker' installation behind them. The photograph was taken at Street Talk, a Tape Art residency held from 6 - 9 March 2014. Street Talk was a collaborative project between All Right?, Healthy Christchurch and Tape Art NZ that had Christchurch communities create large tape art murals on the south wall of Community and Public Health.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of Erica Duthie (left) and other tape artists in front of their creation - a large tape art mural. Erica Duthie from Tape Art NZ sits at left of frame. The photograph was taken at Street Talk, a Tape Art residency held from 6 - 9 March 2014. Street Talk was a collaborative project between All Right?, Healthy Christchurch and Tape Art NZ that had Christchurch communities create large tape art murals on the south wall of Community and Public Health.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of tape artists creating tape art bubbles in front of the mural. Erica Duthie from Tape Art NZ can be seen at a table of other tape artists. The photograph was taken at Street Talk, a Tape Art residency held from 6 - 9 March 2014. Street Talk was a collaborative project between All Right?, Healthy Christchurch and Tape Art NZ that had Christchurch communities create large tape art murals on the south wall of Community and Public Health.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of tape artists creating tape art bubbles in front of the mural. Erica Duthie form Tape Art NZ can be seen at a table talking to other tape artists. The photograph was taken at Street Talk, a Tape Art residency held from 6 - 9 March 2014. Street Talk was a collaborative project between All Right?, Healthy Christchurch and Tape Art NZ that had Christchurch communities create large tape art murals on the south wall of Community and Public Health.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of tape artists creating tape art bubbles in front of the mural. Erica Duthie from Tape Art NZ can be seen at a table talking to other tape artists. The photograph was taken at Street Talk, a Tape Art residency held from 6 - 9 March 2014. Street Talk was a collaborative project between All Right?, Healthy Christchurch and Tape Art NZ that had Christchurch communities create large tape art murals on the south wall of Community and Public Health.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of Struan Ashby from Tape Art NZ adding a tape art bubble to the mural while a young tape artist adds his name to the list of original contributors. The photograph was taken at Street Talk, a Tape Art residency held from 6 - 9 March 2014. Street Talk was a collaborative project between All Right?, Healthy Christchurch and Tape Art NZ that had Christchurch communities create large tape art murals on the south wall of Community and Public Health.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of tape artists creating tape art bubbles in front of the mural. Erica Duthie from Tape Art NZ can be seen at a table talking to other tape artists. The photograph was taken at Street Talk, a Tape Art residency held from 6 - 9 March 2014. Street Talk was a collaborative project between All Right?, Healthy Christchurch and Tape Art NZ that had Christchurch communities create large tape art murals on the south wall of Community and Public Health.

Videos, UC QuakeStudies

A video of an interview with Laurence Mote about the wall of containers in Sumner. Shipping containers line the south side of Main Road in Sumner, protecting road users from potential rock fall from the cliffs above. Mote bikes past the containers every day on his way to work. He talks about the risks facing cyclists along Main Road and in greater Christchurch, including pot holes and narrow roads. He advises cyclists to wear bright clothing and lights, and for cars to slow down and give cyclists room.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of some of the artworks created by tape artists from Skillwise and the Deaf Community on the mural. Erica Duthie from Tape Art NZ is standing in front of the mural. The photograph was taken at Street Talk, a Tape Art residency held from 6 - 9 March 2014. Street Talk was a collaborative project between All Right?, Healthy Christchurch and Tape Art NZ that had Christchurch communities create large tape art murals on the south wall of Community and Public Health.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of a pair of 'All Righties' and Erica Duthie from Tape Art NZ in front of the mural. Duthie is holding a tape art bubble to add to the mural. The photograph was taken at Street Talk, a Tape Art residency held from 6 - 9 March 2014. Street Talk was a collaborative project between All Right?, Healthy Christchurch and Tape Art NZ that had Christchurch communities create large tape art murals on the south wall of Community and Public Health.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of Struan Ashby from Tape Art NZ cutting out circles for tape art bubbles. In the background tape artists create tape art bubbles in front of the mural. The photograph was taken at Street Talk, a Tape Art residency held from 6 - 9 March 2014. Street Talk was a collaborative project between All Right?, Healthy Christchurch and Tape Art NZ that had Christchurch communities create large tape art murals on the south wall of Community and Public Health.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of Struan Ashby from Tape Art NZ cutting out circles for tape art bubbles. In the background tape artists create tape art bubbles in front of the mural. The photograph was taken at Street Talk, a Tape Art residency held from 6 - 9 March 2014. Street Talk was a collaborative project between All Right?, Healthy Christchurch and Tape Art NZ that had Christchurch communities create large tape art murals on the south wall of Community and Public Health.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of Erica Duthie from Tape Art NZ (left) with Community and Public Health staff in front of the large tape art mural. The staff were models for the 'bubble maker' installation behind them. The photograph was taken at Street Talk, a Tape Art residency held from 6 - 9 March 2014. Street Talk was a collaborative project between All Right?, Healthy Christchurch and Tape Art NZ that had Christchurch communities create large tape art murals on the south wall of Community and Public Health.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of Erica Duthie (left) and other tape artists in front of their creation - a large tape art mural. Erica Duthie from Tape Art NZ sits at left of frame. The photograph was taken at Street Talk, a Tape Art residency held from 6 - 9 March 2014. Street Talk was a collaborative project between All Right?, Healthy Christchurch and Tape Art NZ that had Christchurch communities create large tape art murals on the south wall of Community and Public Health.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of Erica Duthie from Tape Art NZ (left) with Community and Public Health staff in front of the large tape art mural. The staff are modelling for the 'bubble maker' installation behind them. The photograph was taken at Street Talk, a Tape Art residency held from 6 - 9 March 2014. Street Talk was a collaborative project between All Right?, Healthy Christchurch and Tape Art NZ that had Christchurch communities create large tape art murals on the south wall of Community and Public Health.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of the tape art mural. Erica Duthie from Tape Art NZ can be seen beginning a tape artwork for the mural. In the foreground a Greening the Rubble site is being planted. The photograph was taken at Street Talk, a Tape Art residency held from 6 - 9 March 2014. Street Talk was a collaborative project between All Right?, Healthy Christchurch and Tape Art NZ that had Christchurch communities create large tape art murals on the south wall of Community and Public Health.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of tape artists with their creation - a tape art bubble for the mural. In the background Struan Ashby from Tape Art NZ adds tape art bubbles to the mural. The photograph was taken at Street Talk, a Tape Art residency held from 6 - 9 March 2014. Street Talk was a collaborative project between All Right?, Healthy Christchurch and Tape Art NZ that had Christchurch communities create large tape art murals on the south wall of Community and Public Health.

Research papers, University of Canterbury Library

The Mw 7.8 Kaikōura earthquake ruptured ~200 km at the ground surface across the New Zealand plate boundary zone in the northern South Island. This study was conducted in an area of ~600 km2 in the epicentral region where the faults comprise two main non-coplanar sets that strike E-NE and NNE-NW with mainly steep dips (60о-80°). Analysis of the surface rupture using field and LiDAR data provides new information on the dimensions, geometries and kinematics of these faults which was not previously available from pre-earthquake active faults or bedrock structure. The more northerly striking fault set are sub-parallel to basement bedding and accommodated predominantly left-lateral reverse slip with net slips of ~1 and ~5 m for the Stone Jug and Leader faults, respectively. The E-NE striking Conway-Charwell and The Humps faults accrued right-lateral to oblique reverse with net slips of ~2 and ~3 m, respectively. The faults form a hard-linked system dominated by kinematics consistent with the ~260° trend of the relative plate motion vector and the transpressional structures recorded across the plate boundary in the NE South Island. Interaction and intersection of the main fault sets facilitated propagation of the earthquake and transfer of slip northwards across the plate boundary zone.

Research papers, University of Canterbury Library

Oblique convergence of the Pacific and Australian Plates is accommodated in the northern South Island by the Marlborough Fault System. The Hope Fault is the southern of four major dextral strike-slip faults of this system. Hanmer Basin is a probable segment boundary between the Hope River and Conway segments of the Hope Fault. The Conway segment is transpressional and shows increasing structural complexity near the segment boundary at Hanmer Basin, with multiple Late Quaternary traces, and fault-parallel folding in response to across-fault shortening. Between Hossack Station and Hanmer Basin a crush zone in excess of one kilometre wide is exposed in incised streams and rivers. The crush zone has an asymmetrical geometry about the active trace of the Hope Fault, being only 100-300 metres wide south of the fault, and more than 500 metres wide north of the fault. The most intense deformation of Torlesse bedrock occurs at the south side of the fault zone, indicating that strain is accommodated against the fault footwall. North of the fault deformation is less intense, but occurs over a wider area. The wide fault zone at Hossack Station may reflect divergence of the Hanmer Fault, a major splay of the Hope Fault. At Hossack Station, the Hope Fault has accommodated at least 260 metres of dextral displacement during the Holocene. Dating of abandoned stream channels, offset by the Hope Fault, indicated a Late Holocene dextral slip-rate of 18±8 mm-¹ for the west end of the Conway segment. Using empirical formulae and inferred fault parameters, the expected magnitude of an earthquake generated by the Conway segment is M6.9 to M7.4; for an exceedence probability of 10%, the magnitude is M7.7 to M7.9. Effects associated with coseismic rupture of the Conway segment include shaking of up to MMIX along the ruptured fault and at Hanmer Basin. Uplift at the east end of Hanmer Basin, in conjunction with subsidence at the southwest margin of the basin, is resulting in the development of onlapping stratigraphy. Seismic reflection profiles support this theory. Possible along-fault migration of the basin is inferred to be a consequence of non-parallelism of the master faults.

Images, Alexander Turnbull Library

A woman walks through the snow in Christchurch and comments 'At least snow covers up ugly quake damage dear... Dear?' Her husband has disappeared into a hole that was covered in snow. Context: Heavy snow blanketed Christchurch today (Saturday 9 August) as the winter cold continued to be felt across both the North and South Islands. Snow began falling in Christchurch about 7am today and covered most of the city. (NZHerald: Aug 9 2011) Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Audio, Radio New Zealand

A review of the week's news including: Accusations in a new book that the defence force misled Ministers about what it's been doing in Afganistan, the EQC more than doubles it's estimate of how much it will pay out on Christchurch earthquakes claims, more than 800 military medals worth a quarter of a million dollars revealed stolen from the Waiouru National Army Museum, strong support for a proposed coal mine on the West Coast's Denniston plateau, will the Rugby World Cup deliver a hoped for economic boost as forcast, New Zealand shotput champion Valerie Adams wins her third straight World championship and the Penquin 'Happy Feet' heads south.

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Many areas of Christchurch are underwater, dealing with what's been described as the worst flooding since the earthquakes. The high tide has just passed, with the rivers already running across roads and flooding into some homes. Schools have been closed, businesses inundated and dozens of roads around the city, closed. Already more than 70mm of rain has fallen in the past 24 hours, making it the city's wettest July on record. Now as the bad weather moves south the army has been put on standby in Dunedin for the expected deluge there. RNZ reporters Niva Chittock, Adam Burns and cameraman Nathan McKinnon are in Christchurch with the details.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of the Struan Ashby (left) and Erica Duthie (right) from Tape Art NZ with the 'All Righties' in front of the mural. Ashby and Duthie are holding tape art bubbles to be added to the mural. The photograph was taken at Street Talk, a Tape Art residency held from 6 - 9 March 2014. Street Talk was a collaborative project between All Right?, Healthy Christchurch and Tape Art NZ that had Christchurch communities create large tape art murals on the south wall of Community and Public Health.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph an All Right? staff member with a pair of tape artists and their creation - a tape art bubble for the mural. In the background Struan Ashby from Tape Art NZ gets directions from a young tape artist. The photograph was taken at Street Talk, a Tape Art residency held from 6 - 9 March 2014. Street Talk was a collaborative project between All Right?, Healthy Christchurch and Tape Art NZ that had Christchurch communities create large tape art murals on the south wall of Community and Public Health.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A view down Manchester Street, looking south. The road is noticably buckled, and rubble from damaged buildings can be seen beyond the cordon fence. The photographer comments, "Today I ... went for a walk along the cordon to the north of Christchurch CBD which runs about one street back from Bealey Avenue. The soldiers manning the cordon seemed happy for me to take photos but I couldn't see much of the city from the barrier ... what you can see shows there's obviously a lot of damage. The roads are swollen and raised in many place. The once flat CBD will now feature plenty of hills as well as natural traffic calming features".

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Members of the University of Canterbury's Digital Media Group in their temporary office in KB02 in Kirkwood Village, the complex of prefabs set up after the earthquakes to provide temporary office and classroom space for the university. The photographer comments, "The e-learning group and the video conferencing team are now located in the Kirkwood Village at the University of Canterbury. It's a very impressive project, about 60 buildings arranged in various configurations with some used for teaching or computer labs, and others as staff offices. We will probably stay here for several years now. Looking along the south wall, Herbert Thomas and Susan Tull already settled in and working".