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Wednesday 15 September 2010
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Would we cope with 7.1 quake? Local geologist discusses implications of Christchurch-scale jolt in Waimea Faultline An earthquake of 7.1 on the Richter Scale, occurring in the Waimea Fault Line, might bring some houses in Richmond streets to their knees while others could ride out the tremors with only superficial disturbance, according to a local geologist. In the wake of the series of structurally devastating and nerve-wracking earthquakes in Canterbury, residents all over New Zealand are considering what effects they would suffer in similar circumstances. One of the obvious and most significant features of the near 7.1 quake, centred near Darfield south of Christchurch, was the varying extents of structural damage done throughout central Canterbury. While some suburbs and towns, such as Kaiapoi, suffered massive upheaval and irreparable devastation, other areas of the city and outskirts were relatively unscathed. So how would the Richmond/Waimea district cope with a similar strength 7.1 quake on a nearby fault line? Dr Michael (Mike) Johnston is a local consulting geologist who has a good knowledge of ‘what lies beneath’, having done considerable survey work on the Waimea Plains ground water system. (go to page 4)
Lake Rotoiti School teachers and students, the first to be presented with the new Nelson Lakes Kiwi Ranger activities booklets - in front, DOC Nelson/Marlborough Conservator Neil Clifton, at left, and programme creator, Mick Abbott.
Kids can become honorary rangers Children visiting Nelson Lakes National Park are being offered the chance to become honorary rangers through a new fun conservation learning programme.
The Nelson Lakes Kiwi Ranger programme was launched as part of Conservation Week this week, September 12-19. Park visitors can earn the title
of Nelson Lakes Kiwi Ranger by carrying out interactive activities from which they can learn of the natural features and history of the Nelson Lakes area.