New Zealand Community Fault Model

To achieve these aims

• We collaborate with more than 40 Earth scientists and engineers across New Zealand
• We consolidate all available geological and geophysical data on active fault zones into one place

The New Zealand Community Fault Model, an exercise in collaboration

The New Zealand Community Fault Model is a representation of known active fault zones that run along the length of the New Zealand plate boundary. This multi-agency collaboration led by GNS Science leverages the expertise of more than 40 earth scientists and engineers from across the country. We brought together geologists and geophysicists from many organisations in a series of workshops to draw on this community’s wealth of knowledge. These scientists helped define the model, including its limitations, through engagement and input to ensure it is fit-for-purpose.

Version 1.0

The first edition of the New Zealand Community Fault Model (v1.0) comprises nearly 900 fault zones. The model comprises two principal datasets. The first dataset is a two-dimensional representation of active (or potentially active) fault zone traces. These data contain information on the geometric and kinematic attributes of each fault zone or fault zone segment as expressed on the ground surface. The second dataset is a three-dimensional representation of the fault zones in the model.

As well as active fault zones, the model includes fault zones that fall outside the traditional definition of active – having demonstratable rupture in the last 125,000 years – but are considered capable of generating medium to large magnitude earthquakes or seafloor displacements. Overall, the fault zone location and parameter descriptions have been improved on from previous active fault models.

The New Zealand Community Fault Model (v1.0) is publicly available. The model has been released under a creative commons license which permits sharing and adaptation so long as appropriate credit is given. The data package includes geographic information system projects and files of the two-dimensional fault zone model along with triangulated surfaces for the three-dimensional fault zone model, tabulated fault zone parameters and documentation.

It is envisaged that the New Zealand Community Fault Model (v1.0) will provide the starting point for future updates by the scientific community as new data and knowledge becomes available. It is our expectation that progressively refined and updated versions of the active fault model will be developed, documented and released.