We dive deep into the Hikurangi Subduction Zone — Part one
In the North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand, we have our largest plate-boundary fault, the Hikurangi Subduction Zone. It’s the largest source of earthquake and tsunami hazard in New Zealand.
The Hikurangi Subduction Zone occurs along the east coast of the North Island and under the tip of the South Island, where the Pacific plate dives beneath the Australian plate. Most of the northern part of the Hikurangi Subduction Zone appears to be either creeping steadily or moving in slow slip events. In contrast, the southern part of the fault boundary beneath the lower North Island appears to be locked due to friction on the fault. This locking causes a build-up of stress and when the stress is big enough, the faults move suddenly and cause earthquakes.
Over the next few weeks, we'll be taking a closer look at this fault and what it means for us.