The Earthquake Commission (EQC) is sponsoring a meeting of top international earthquake experts, who will provide insights on earthquake hazards and their impacts on the country.

The 2018 Taiwan-Japan-New Zealand Seismic Hazards Assessment Meeting features 70 earthquake scientists. It is being held from November 14-18 in Oamaru.

“We’re all in countries where it’s extremely important to understand where, and how big, the earthquake hazard is – so getting together each year gives us a chance to share and apply the latest scientific advances,” University of Otago earthquake science chair and lead convener professor Mark Stirling said.

The discussion will focus on developing models and maps that show where earthquakes and strong shaking are most likely in each country.

“There are fault lines around Oamaru, like the Waihemo Fault running from Shag Point inland west to the top of the Pigroot, that haven’t moved for a long time,” Stirling noted.  “What we want to understand is how these faults are likely to behave in the future.”

He highlighted the seismic hazard models and maps developed by scientists are being used by engineers and planners to design buildings that can stand up to the shaking they are likely to experience.

The scientists are also visiting the Kaikōura area, which experienced the most complex quake ever recorded, and sites like the Clyde dam.

“Collaborative work like this is hugely helpful for advancing earthquake science in our countries and also around the world,” EQC manager research strategy and investment Dr Richard Smith, meanwhile, added.