How often can New Zealand expect big earthquakes?
On average, New Zealand can expect several magnitude 6 earthquakes every year, and a magnitude 7 earthquake every 8.8 years. A powerful magnitude 8 earthquake may hit about once a century. We have not had an earthquake of this magnitude since the magnitude 8.2 Wairarapa earthquake in 1855. 1:02 PM
19.11.04
GPS instruments have recorded a “slow earthquake” near Gisborne. From about October 31, an area of land near Gisborne started moving eastward at nearly 2 millimetres per day. This is ten times faster than the normal motion due to tectonic forces. The movement is caused by slip along the boundary between two tectonic plates about 20 kilometres below Poverty Bay. This is the second time this unusual phenomenon has been observed at Gisborne in the past two years. 1:06 PM
12.11.04
This year avalanches have caused serious damage to tracks in Nelson Lakes National Park. Department of Conservation ranger Tom Young noted avalanche debris has covered sections of tracks in the upper Travers and upper Sabine valleys . 1:57 PM
5.11.04
Some tsunami have a trough or depression in front of the leading wave, so that the sea surface goes down before the wave washes in. If you are on the beach when the tide suddenly seems to go out, run away to high ground or get inland fast - do not try to gather shellfish or stranded fish! 1:02 PM
