We are always improving our sensor network to increase monitoring station density and improve research and response capabilities. The more instruments we have when a major event such as a large earthquake happens, the better high-quality data we will have to assess and understand the event.

The process to get these sites up and running begins with site selection. We spoke to Science Operations Specialist, Sam Taylor-Offord, who had just returned from a site selection trip in the South Island.

What is involved in site selection?

Site selection is all about designing the best network on paper, in the office, and then finding real locations to build this network on the ground.  In general, our sites are well distributed across the country, but there are situations where events can highlight gaps or limitations in our monitoring network in local areas.

“It’s a game of maximising what works well and minimising what doesn’t, and making sure every station location has core capabilities, like internet access and power,” Sam explained.

“In “green fields” site selection we can have multiple options in an area where we want to put one station. Then we can perform test data acquisition and make exploratory site visits to try and work out which option will provide us the most useful information.”

“The GeoNet team considers the recommendations of scientists, and then visits sites, performing site explorations and internet testing without the need to invest in weeks of test data collection.”

“If we need test data, we can just use the research data. That’s teamwork!” Sam says.

What did you get up to on this trip?

“This trip was all about checking recommended site locations for core capabilities,” Sam explains.

“We visited six sites, five requiring helicopter access. For each site we tested cellular coverage, solar power potential, ground stability (a big issue in the mountains), and basic things like where we would put our infrastructure.”

“Often the best location for science is not the best on the ground, so we test a few locations in each selection area to make sure we have options.”

What happens next?

With lots of information and options to hand, the GeoNet team will reconnect with the researchers who recommended the original locations. Together, they pick the best sites.

“Then we can work with the landowners to get permission to build,” Sam says.

With a large portion of our network located on private land, we are grateful for the landowners who allow us to install our vital instruments on their land.

Earthquakes can occur anywhere in New Zealand at any time. In the event of a large earthquake: Drop, Cover and Hold.

Remember Long or Strong, Get Gone : If you are near the coast and feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up OR a weak rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more move immediately to the nearest high ground or as far inland as you can, out of tsunami evacuation zones.

Know what to do?

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has a great website with information on what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Prepare your home. Protect your whānau.

There’s a lot we can do to make our homes safer and stronger for natural disasters. Toka Tū Ake EQC’s website has key steps to get you started.

Media Contact: 021 574 541 or media@gns.cri.nz