New evidence of historic earthquakes under central New Zealand has received widespread media coverage this week.
The two earthquakes took place within the last 1000 years, and one was accompanied by a tsunami, according to the study published in the Bulletin of the Seimological Society of America (BSSA).
The study, led by GNS Science researchers, analysed sediment cores from a salt marsh near Blenheim, detecting evidence of two strong subduction earthquakes generated by the Hikurangi margin, where the Pacific and Australian plates meet off the east coast of the North Island.
You can read more about the research and independent expert commentary here.
The research has been widely covered in New Zealand. Examples include:
Otago Daily Times: ‘Megathrust’ quake alert
Stuff.co.nz: Megaquake could hit central New Zealand
MSN News: Proof of ‘megathrust’ quakes in NZ
3 News: Research reveals proof of ‘megathrust’ quakes in New Zealand
Yahoo NZ: Another rare quake possible in NZ?
Stuff.co.nz: Planners show no panic over ‘megathrust’ quakes
New Zealand Herald: Megathrust earthquakes hit NZ twice in past 1000 years – scientists
Radio New Zealand: New Zealand’s megathrust earthquakes
TVNZ Breakfast: ‘Megathrust’ quake once caused NZ tsunami, new study finds
New Scientist: New Zealand’s worst earthquake fear confirmed by sediment survey
Marlborough Express: Quake research a good reminder
Stuff.co.nz: Maori history link to megathrust quake
Stuff.co.nz: Stuff Live Chate with Dr Kate Clark