This fault has ruptured four times in the past 900 years, each time producing an earthquake of about magnitude 8. We cater to all your car, van and motorbike servicing and maintenance needs. GNS SCIENCE. As our region faces uncharted waters in the wake of a global pandemic, Otago Daily Times continues to bring you local stories that matter. The last time this happened was 301 years ago. Geologists have indicated another big quake on the Alpine Fault is due. Date of experience: November 2020. This quake was largely felt in the Queenstown and Wanaka areas, with over 600 felt reports submitted. We are the South's eyes and ears in crucial council meetings, at court hearings, on the sidelines of sporting events and on the frontline of breaking news. The earthquake will last for about two minutes. A thrill of a lifetime! About one million people visited Milford Sound annually and 30 per cent of all international visitors went to Milford Sound, the closet human habitation point to the Alpine Fault's likely rupture point, McKay said. Réservez votre essai de l’A110. “Major challenges for the Otago region from a significant Alpine Fault earthquake will include significant damage to homes, tourist accommodation and infrastructure in Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago. Franz Josef sits right on top of the alpine fault. It’s the "on-land" boundary of the Pacific and Australian Plates. Dr Cox said a research paper which came out in 2012 - spanning the past 24 major Alpine Fault earthquakes over 8000 years - had extended the likely timeframe for the next major quake. However, Dunedin-based GNS Science principal scientist Dr Simon Cox said a 5.8 earthquake was ''very small'' in terms of the stress and movement required to transfer stress to the Alpine Fault, located 50km from the epicentre of Monday's earthquake. The primary seismic hazard facing the Queenstown Lakes district is an Alpine Fault earthquake, which has a 30% probability of rupture in the next 50 years. Prof Davies is in the United Kingdom on sabbatical at present so could not be reached for comment on Monday's earthquake and its impact on the Alpine Fault. There is a high probability of a rupture in the next 50 years, meaning that the next large earthquake on the Alpine Fault is likely to occur within our, or our children’s, lifetime. GeoNet reported it appears to have struck on the Alpine Fault. The report summarises talks given in October 2007 by Associate Prof Tim Davies, from Canterbury University, in which he told Wanaka, Queenstown and Cromwell audiences historical patterns of earthquakes and research on the Alpine Fault indicated it was likely to rupture ''very soon'', probably in the next 1-20 years. The length of the rupture will be up to 400 km, eg. - … Reviewed May 21, 2016 via mobile . The fault, which runs about 600km up the western side of the South Island between Milford Sound and Marlborough, poses one of the biggest natural threats to New Zealand - especially the West Coast, Canterbury and Otago. GNS science said in May there was a 30 per cent chance of a large earthquake on the Alpine Fault in the next 50 years, which could cause horizontal movement of up to eight metres. Visit image gallery to purchase the image. Our driver and guide was cheery and informative and the scenery was interesting too. Participer à nos événements. Geologists have indicated another big quake on the Alpine Fault is due. Date … Fault line . This is predicted to result in severe damage to the built environment, especially to infrastructure. The central and southern parts of the Alpine Fault run for about 400 kilometres up the spine of the South Island, and are about 40 times longer than the fault responsible for the fatal February 2011 earthquake in Christchurch. 106 58. Queenstown may be isolated after a major rupture of the Alpine Fault by landslips like this one, which blocked State Highway 1, north of Kaikoura, in 2016. Call us today … "Queenstown would be badly affected but so would other places across the South Island.". We employ local journalists and photographers to tell your stories, as other outlets cut local coverage in favour of stories told out of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The Alpine Fault is a geological fault that runs almost the entire length of New Zealand's South Island and forms the boundary between the Pacific Plate and the Indo-Australian Plate. With the energy of Monday's earthquake heading north, Berryman believed the risk of a rupture on Alpine Fault had not been heightened. The Project AF8 funding of $245,000 was part of the Government's annual $889,000 Civil Defence and Emergency Management's Resilience Fund announced in June. The scarp runs through the township and can be seen here tracking across a road and underneath motels. Different forecasts have put the probability of a future Alpine Fault quake measuring over 8.0 as high as 65 per cent within the next 50 years - and almost 85 per cent over 100 years. It was possible local stress changes had occurred on other faultlines though, such as the Nevis-Cardrona Fault in the Cardrona Valley, about 15km from the epicentre. More than 600 people reported feeling it on the GeoNet website. Aussies 'busting' for a bubble - Queenstown mayor, Daughter stranded almost 5000km from home, Thousands enjoy Santa on stage at Christmas show, Driver flees leaving trail of destruction in Lower Shotover, 'Horrifying' video highlights Queenstown's violence problem, Beers on the beach blocked by booze ban extension, Another petrol station opening in Christchurch on Wednesday, Friends mourn couple killed in Kaikōura chopper crash, Kaikōura helicopter crash: Shocked friends of Andrew and Lin Davidson gather at family home near Christchurch, Helicopter crash north of Kaikōura: Rescuer describes horrific scene, Farmhand killed in crash was five times over alcohol limit, $850K grant to help with Covid-19 response, Young entrepreneurs spot on with acne treatment. About 50 emergency-related organisations from across the country were introduced to Project AF8 [Alpine Fault Magnitude 8], a group set up to "collectively plan for an Alpine Fault event". Smile Machines. It's going to change the way of life.". on Haast and spreading north to Ahaura. WELLINGTON (DPA) - A 5.5-magnitude quake rocked New Zealand's Alpine Fault early Sunday (June 9), triggering a warning by the country's earthquake monitoring service.. Read more at straitstimes.com. Project AF8 science liaison Dr Caroline Orchiston from the University of Otago, said the fault had the potential to "pop off a big one [earthquake] pretty soon", but with research data from as far back as 1770AD, the group hoped to be able to prepare people for it. ''I would be very surprised if this earthquake has any bearing whatsoever on stresses on faults that far away,'' he said. GNS Science and University of Nevada-Reno … You can help us continue to bring you local news you can trust by becoming a supporter. Scientists question whether a 5.5 quake did indeed strike on the big-risk Alpine Fault. What to expect when the Alpine Fault ruptures * Alpine Fault moves more than any other land fault * Alpine fault could isolate West Coast for six weeks * Scientists digging into new part of Alpine Fault, "If you thought Christchurch [earthquake] was bad, that's Christchurch on steroids. The earth moves. If we don't get this right, we're not serving our people.". Earthquakes on the Alpine Fault of New Zealand There have been earthquakes in the Oroville area that have appeared on USGS but taken off. The Alpine Fault runs hundreds of kilometres up the spine of the South Island, from Fiordland along the western edge of the Southern Alps. The mountains are rising at 7 millimetres a year, but erosion wears them down at a similar rate. The talk was part of the South Island Civil Defence Emergency Management Conference held at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort in Queenstown on Friday. Mr Taylor said Otago CDEM - made up of the region's councils - was considering another tour by a specialist to talk about the newest research on the Alpine Fault. In his 2007 talks, Prof Davies said when the next major Alpine Fault earthquake struck, Central Otago/Queenstown Lakes residents could expect landslips, lake tsunamis, river delta collapses, breaking dams, floods, debris flows, rock avalanches and severe sedimentation. Emergency Management Southland manager Angus McKay said an Alpine Fault rupture and resulting earthquake would "change life in New Zealand". A focus of the conference was a potential Alpine Fault quake striking Queenstown, which would require CDEM planners to evacuate those trapped in the town if road closures left it isolated. We can also valet and groom your vehicle. On Sunday, the Alpine Fault experienced its largest quake since 2001. Bienvenue sur le site officiel Alpine Cars. What to expect when the Alpine Fault ruptures, Alpine Fault moves more than any other land fault, Alpine fault could isolate West Coast for six weeks, Scientists digging into new part of Alpine Fault, Alpine Fault has moved more than any other known fault on land in the world, Lunchtime sightseeing trip in new helicopter ends with fatal crash, Transport Agency employee breaching learner licence kills motorcyclist, This could be the worst Parliament since MMP unless urgent changes are made, Pilot injured after helicopter crash in Hawke's Bay, Auckland mum appalled after school staff member put tape on her son's mouth, Quiz: Morning trivia challenge: December 16, 2020, Coastal residents’ fight for their homes comes to an end, Covid-19: Rest home volunteer dressed as Santa infects 75 residents in super-spreader event, In a first, leading Republicans call Joe Biden US president-elect, Distressed investors handed over more than $13m to missing Australian woman Melissa Caddick. An M W 8.1 Alpine Fault earthquake is predicted to cause low-frequency shaking for 1−2 minutes in Wanaka and Queenstown, at a shaking intensity of MMVII (Modified Mercalli scale). A must do for anyone interested in rocks, geology and plate tectonics. Southland families urged to plan a meeting place in case of a natural disaster, Environment Southland receives $245k grant for Alpine Fault research, Are we ready? Vivez l’expérience Alpine. This was the perfect thing to go on a drizzly morning. Researchers from Victoria University and GNS Science have said the Alpine Fault has moved more than any other known fault on land in the world. NZHerald, 9 June, 2019. "We would like to make sure that you are prepared for a large earthquake at all times." Alpine Auto - Queenstown Garage. The Alpine Fault • Running about 600km up the spine of the South Island, the Alpine Fault is the on-land boundary of the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates. When an earthquake did occur along the Alpine Fault, the damage would be widespread as the fault "is going to unzip basically", Orchiston said in a phone interview. The Alpine Fault, which runs about 600km up the western side of the South Island between Milford Sound and Marlborough, poses one of the biggest natural threats to New Zealand - … Elisabeth, your guide, has a good knowledge of the Alpine Fault, and to be able to straddle 2 tectonic plates was a real moment to remember. The Alpine fault, one of the major fault systems in New Zealand, extends over 600 km in the South Island. . Alpine Fault: Planning for the Next Big Earthquake What might happen - what can we do? He also noted the rupture of another faultline nearby may trigger it, which has caused particular concern on social media this week. READ MORE: * Southland families urged to plan a meeting place in case of a natural disaster * Environment Southland receives $245k grant for Alpine Fault research * Are we ready? Bridges would collapse, roads would be impassible, power would be cut, houses and facilities would be damaged, uncontrollable fires would break out, phones would be dead and many people would suffer disabling injuries. GeoNet has issued a warning following a magnitude 5.5 quake this morning near Milford Sound. The tour would be part of a range of activities to promote New Zealand's Shake Out earthquake drill on October 15. The Alpine Fault is a geological fault, specifically a right-lateral strike-slip fault, that runs almost the entire length of New Zealand’s South Island. Queenstown, New Zealand 289 contributions 43 helpful votes. [Chapter Break] After their ground­breaking paper on the Alpine Fault, Willett was posted to Invercargill and Wellman to another war­time project at d’Urville Island. What might happen - what can we do? An earthquake triggered by a rupture in the Alpine Fault would be like "Christchurch on steroids", an emergency management conference has been told. The Alpine Fault remained New Zealand's biggest seismic hazard and Monday's earthquake and subsequent aftershocks served as ''a timely reminder'' that people should be prepared for the big one. University of Otago scientist Dr Caroline Orchiston addresses an emergency management conference in at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort in Queenstown on Friday. However, most of the motion on the fault is strike-slip, with the Tasman district and West Coast moving North and Canterbury and … Queenstown, New Zealand. It is known to produce magnitude 8 earthquakes approximately every 300 years. "When the Alpine Fault pops, there won't be a Milford Sound anymore," he said. It forms a transform boundary between the Pacific Plate and the Indo-Australian Plate. Looking after locals and visitors since 2003. News; Car Servicing and Repair; Recovery and Breakdown; Car Valeting and Grooming; Contact Us; Your Local Queenstown Garage . Alpine Fault: Planning for the Next Big Earthquake What might happen - what can we do? The spine of the South Island’s most significant earthquake risk, the Alpine Fault, runs right through the Wakatipu. A graphic shows an indicative line of the Alpine Fault in relation to Wanaka and Queenstown. You are not permitted to download, save or email this image. The last significant South Island earthquake was 298 years ago in 1717. ALPINE FAULT: An 800 kilometre-long fault which runs along the western edge of the Southern Alps from Marlborough to Milford Sound. Photo: Mark Mitchell Photo: Mark Mitchell A map shows where the Alpine Fault is located. Warning after earthquakes on Alpine Fault rattle Queenstown, Wanaka area. The Alpine Fault quickly became accepted as a notable feature of the geology of New Zealand, and by 1948 was included on standard geological maps. "This fault system has the potential for larger events," Geonet tweeted. Taylor-Offord says the Alpine Fault is feared because "there is a clear geological record showing that many earthquakes above magnitude 7 have occurred on this fault". If you want to do something different and have a passing interest in geology, then this is a ‘must do’ tour. A new model has simulated the disruption a major Alpine Fault earthquake would have on the South Island's transport network - cutting off the West Coast for at least a week. Otago Civil Defence Emergency Management Group (CDEM) public information manager Peter Taylor said the top six centres for views of Prof Davies' online report this week were: Auckland, 8948; Christchurch, 8504; Queenstown, 2553; Dunedin, 2128; Wellington, 1760; and Invercargill, 462. The Southern Alps have been uplifted on the fault over the last 12 million years in a series of earthquakes. The Alpine Fault scarp crosses fields near Haast before heading southwest into isolated country and finally going out to sea at the mouth of Milford Sound. Rhys Chamberlain 16:53, Oct 14 2016. The Alpine Fault is called a strike slip or transform fault. . Australia. Facebook and Twitter users have been sharing a link to the report on the Otago Regional Council (ORC) website, and the page has now been viewed more than 34,000 times since Monday's earthquake. The fault's mean recurrence interval was now estimated to be 329 years, plus or minus 68 years. The Alpine Fault, which runs for about 600km up the spine of the South Island, is one of the world’s major geological features. In his 2007 talks, Prof Davies said when the next major Alpine Fault earthquake struck, Central Otago/Queenstown Lakes residents could expect landslips, lake tsunamis, river delta collapses, breaking dams, floods, debris flows, rock avalanches and severe sedimentation. Earthquakes along the fault, and the associated earth movements, have formed the Southern Alps. The alpine fault earthquake will alter tectonic stress distribution, and other faultlines may rupture in the days or years following it. Review of Alpine Fault Tours. Prof Davies urged people to store enough essential supplies to be self-sufficient for two to three weeks, carry supplies in their vehicle when travelling, keep a store of construction and weatherproofing materials on their property and identify and strengthen high-risk parts of their property. PHOTO: PROJECTAF8.CO.NZ “What we know about the Alpine Fault is that it tends to produce big earthquakes, roughly every 300 years,” Dr Orchiston said. The South Island earthquake would be a magnitude 8 or bigger, shake for about two minutes and rupture for up to 400km, Prof Davies said. Note: Change of venue to Queenstown Memorial Centre. The Alpine Fault runs for about 600km along the west of the Southern Alps. via mobile Read all 26 reviews CynthiaCanberra. Automobile Workshop and Garage Services, Queenstown. Read more. The Alpine Fault remained New Zealand's biggest seismic hazard and Monday's earthquake and subsequent aftershocks served as ''a timely reminder'' that people should be prepared for the big one. In his 2007 talks, Prof Davies said when the next major Alpine Fault earthquake struck, Central Otago/Queenstown Lakes residents could expect landslips, lake tsunamis, river delta collapses, … Video 1 features Dr Caroline Orchiston explaining what the Alpine Fault is; how scientists have established beyond doubt that it has an unusually regular seismic history; and uses the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake sequence to illustrate the kinds of impacts that a magnitude 8+ earthquake will have. "After two years, we're hoping to have a South Island Emergency Response Plan for the Alpine Fault. 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