The 1931 Hawke's Bay Earthquake Commemorative Lecture

This is a lecture intended mainly for the Royal Society Branch members. There is also another instance of this lecture for the general public on the next day. However, due to the popularity of the event and limited seats at the venue, it may be wise to attend on Wednesday, in order not to miss out.

Dr Philip Barnes, Principal Scientist Marine Geology, NIWA

Admission by gold coin donation.

The Hikurangi Subduction Zone is New Zealand’s largest fault system, extending from north of East Cape to Kaikōura and >100 km offshore of the East Coast. The submarine borderland defines the region where the Pacific tectonic plate is plunging westward (subducting) beneath eastern North and South islands. The seascape and underlying geology of the Hikurangi margin vary dramatically along its length, mirroring changes in sedimentation, active geological faulting, and seismic processes. Dr Philip Barnes will take you on a visual tour of the offshore margin and illustrate how Earth scientists are using seafloor mapping, marine geophysical surveys, and ocean-floor drilling data to improve our understanding of this hazardous subduction zone.