Jan 14 2009 - December roundup

Operations

The North Cape instrument cabinet adjoining the lighthouse.

• The National Seismograph Network sites at Wellington (WEL) and Tahuroa Road (TOZ), near Morrinsville, were upgraded.
• The installation of the tsunami gauge equipment at North Cape (NCPT) was completed.

Earthquakes

• The most significant earthquake of the month occurred on December 18, magnitude 4.9, 10 km north of Hanmer Springs, 5 km deep. It was felt from Karamea to Christchurch, with a maximum intensity of MM 6 (minor damage) in Hanmer Springs.
• The preliminary locations of November's earthquakes are shown below.

Reported Landslides

Tuesday December 2

• A minor slip occurred from a cut batter on the West Coast Road near Oratia, in Waitakere City. The road was not affected although debris required removal from the shoulder.

Saturday December 6

• A woman was killed when a boulder rolled on her on the Aratipuna trail near Ruatoria on the East Cape.

Saturday December 27

• SH 6 between Queenstown and Frankton was closed briefly when a slip blocked both lanes for 50 metres. The slip was attributed to a leaking penstock associated with the closed Wye Creek Power Station.

Felt earthquakes of
November 2008.

Shallow earthquakes of
November 2008.

Deep earthquakes of
November 2008.