Earthquake Faulting and the Leader River Landslide Dam 

Details

Date: 4 February
Departs from: Christchurch
Ends: Christchurch
Leaders: Prof Andy Nicol
Cost ($NZD inc 15% GST): Approx $60 per person

Description

The fieldtrip will take participants to the epicentral area of the 2016 Mw 7.8 Kaikoura Earthquake in North Canterbury. The landscape in this region include flights of Late Quaternary fluvial terraces, tectonic basins and ranges in the upthrown sides of reverse faults. We will examine geomorphology produced by surface rupture and ground shaking during the earthquake. The trip will visit fault scarps (see photograph) and displaced fences produced by surface ruptures, together with a large intact landslide dam. Participants will have the opportunity to observe the river system as it re-establishes itself across the landslide and to discuss the natural hazards posed by earthquake-related processes.

Start and finish locations: The trip begins and ends at Te Pae.

Start and finish times: Participants need to arrive to Te Pae at 7.45 am for an 8.00 am departure. The trip will return to Te Pae at ~5.30 pm.

What to bring:

• Water
• Sun protection (sunhat, sunscreen)
• Warm clothing
• Water/windproof jacket
• Hiking shoes
• Personal medication

What to expect: Attendees will need to be able to walk up to 40 minutes across rolling farmland.