Research in Geophysics

Research areas

Areas of research in Geophysics include the following:

Earthquake seismology

Seismogenesis, seismic hazard, and seismic studies of Earth structure (Martha Savage, Euan Smith, Tim Stern, John Townend).

Physical meteorology

The use of mesoscale models, satellite imagery and animation techniques (Jim McGregor).

Palaeomagnetism and geomagnetism

Determination of the historical geomagnetic field from lake sediment cores (Malcolm Ingham, Gillian Turner).

Structural and tectonic studies

Use of deep seismics, magneto-tellurics, gravity, and resistivity and heat flow.

Plate tectonics and crustal and mantle dynamics

Modelling the plate motion, and satellite geodesy (Martha Savage, Euan Smith, Tim Stern, John Townend).

Research projects

Alpine fault

Understanding why one part of New Zealand’s Alpine Fault has so few earthquakes compared to elsewhere on the fault is the focus of this project.

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Seismic anisotropy

In an anisotropic medium the elastic parameters vary as a function of orientation. Seismic anisotropy occurs when elastic waves vibrating or travelling in one direction travel faster than another. In recent years a number of studies have been undertaken to measure seismic anisotropy in New Zealand. Here we provide a summary of these studies, the majority of which use the shear wave splitting technique.

Passive seismology

(info to be provided)

Central North Island Passive Seismic Array (CNIPSE)

This programme is using recordings of earthquakes to determine seismic wave propagation characteristics of velocity, anisotropy and attenuation to depths of 100 km and greater in the upper mantle of the North Island. Results to date have been highly successful and have been well-received by international research groups.

Collaboration with GNS Science

Research seminars, arranged jointly with GNS Science, Gracefield, Lower Hutt, are held regularly and lunch-time colloquia provide an opportunity for less formal discussions.