Tsunami Monitoring
Tsunami monitoring
- Detecting and recording tsunamis
- How Aotearoa New Zealand’s tsunami warning system works
- DART buoy network
- Improved resilience from tsunamis
- Data analysis
- Our science contribution
- Learn more about tsunami monitoring
Detecting and recording tsunamis
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Detecting tsunamis.
There is a network of deep ocean tsunami sensors (DART buoys) to the north of Aotearoa New Zealand. This helps detect potential tsunami-generating earthquakes in the Southwest Pacific. -
Recording a tsunami.
Tsunami gauges are located around the coast of Aotearoa New Zealand to confirm the occurrence of a tsunami and record its characteristics. The GeoNet website has the latest tsunami gauge recordings for operational instruments in the region.
How Aotearoa New Zealand’s tsunami warning system will work
DART buoy network
DART (Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunami) buoys are deep-ocean instruments that monitor changes in sea level.
Twelve buoys are being deployed in stages (2019-21) at selected points adjacent to the Hikurangi, Kermadec, Tonga and South New Hebrides trenches where they can detect tsunamis that could reach our shores in less than two hours.
Improved resilience from tsunamis
The array of DART buoys enables better warnings by delivering data to help GNS Science provide more accurate estimates on how big the waves could be if they reach our coast. The sensors are particularly valuable for monitoring potential tsunamis from earthquakes in the Southwest Pacific that may be unfelt on the New Zealand mainland. The network provides monitoring and detection information for Tokelau, Niue, the Cook Islands, Tonga and Samoa.
Just as important, the buoys also provide rapid information when no tsunami has been generated after a large earthquake or other possible trigger events such as under-sea landslides and volcanic eruptions.
Data analysis
GNS Science’s 24/7 National Geohazard Monitoring Centre will receive and analyse data from the DART buoys. The Centre will then provide information and analysis to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) which will issue advisories and warnings to the public. Data from the network is streamed live to the Pacific Tsunami Warning System in Hawaii to enhance trans-Pacific forecasts, providing benefits to all countries surrounding the Pacific Ocean.
Our science contribution
The deployment of the DART buoys follows many years of work. Working with NEMA, we recognised a way to improve tsunami resilience in Aotearoa New Zealand. Together GNS Science and NIWA provided specialist input.
We used our science to quantify the hazard and design a solution. Our scientists designed the network, planning the locations of the DART buoys to maximise benefit to Aotearoa New Zealand and other countries in the Southwest Pacific. We partnered with MFAT and NEMA to deliver the solution.
The DART buoys are part of a $47.3 million government-funded network. Partners in the project include GNS Science, NIWA, NEMA, MFAT and MBIE.
Learn more about tsunami monitoring
- Watch this video about the project and how the buoys work, August 2020
- Listen to research seismologist Bill Fry from GNS Science on RNZ National, February 2020
- Read this article about the DART network published in EOS online, May 2020
- Download the infographic about how DART buoys work
- Tsunami preparedness - what to do before, during, after. (Civil Defence information)
Photos: Supplied by NIWA