What Will It Do?

GeoNet provides comprehensive coverage of geological hazard events as they occur - essential for developing effective mitigation and response strategies. It collects enhanced research data on the processes that cause earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and related effects, and contributes to a better definition of the potential geological hazards in New Zealand. There will be an increased ability for emergency management agencies to focus on planning for the mitigation of hazard impacts, as well as the provision of immediate information to assist in disaster response. GeoNet will provide incentives for international collaboration in research and development related to natural hazard assessment and mitigation, and will grow the scientific and technological skills of New Zealanders.

Wellington, New Zealand - vulnerable to both earthquakes and tsunami.

Earthquake Emergency Response

Seismic monitoring can quickly provide information on the location, size and nature of an earthquake. Acquiring accurate information within minutes is critical to planning an emergency response.

Warning of Volcanic Eruptions

Swelling of the Earth's surface, earthquake activity and the release of gases from vents in the ground precede volcanic eruptions. Monitoring of these events provides early warning of unrest, which in turn provides valuable time to organise a public response. Once an eruption is underway, monitoring provides vital information on local dangers and regional effects of the eruption.

Warning of Tsunami

The first warning that an offshore earthquake may have generated a tsunami (seismic sea wave) comes from seismic monitoring.

Seismic Hazard Assessment

Information on the probability of ground shaking expected in future earthquakes is dependent on data from seismic monitoring, combined with geological studies and dating of prehistoric earthquakes. This information is highly relevant to investment in communities and the distribution of infrastructure.

Earthquake Engineering

Recordings of strong ground motion in structures and near the source of large earthquakes are essential for safe, cost-effective design and construction practices for every type of structure.

A landslide dam blocking the Poerua River valley, October 1999.

Scientific Research

Data from a monitoring network are fundamental to a better understanding of earthquake occurrence and effects and of the processes that cause volcanic eruptions, tsunami and landslides.

Public Information

Data from a monitoring network contribute to information received by the public on natural hazards.

Insurance and Other Mitigation

Scientific assessment of data from the monitoring network contributes information about variations in geological risk. This knowledge can be used to assess potential losses from future hazard events and to adjust the risk.

Education

Geological hazard monitoring centres serve as focal points for educating the public about earthquake and volcanic hazards and safety.

Disaster Risk Management

The data from GeoNet will contribute to improving disaster risk management in New Zealand communities. A better understanding of the hazard provides the basis for improved readiness and reduction of the community's exposure to risk, while accurate and timely information aids the response to an event and subsequent recovery.

Benefits of GeoNet

There is still a great deal to learn about the causes of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides. The new and higher quality information from the GeoNet monitoring network are crucial to improving our understanding of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunami and landslides. GeoNet's greatest long term benefits will be our improved scientific understanding of these phenomena, together with timely detection and warning of hazards. These benefits will contribute to safer communities.