Photo: Martin HunterThe killer Christchurch earthquake, which claimed 185 lives 10 years ago today, came from the violent rupturing of a previously unknown fault line pointing straight at the city, scientists have revealed. Photo: FileWhat became known as the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence, resulted in huge changes around earthquake research in New Zealand. "In the future, it's almost certain there will be a damaging rupture on another unknown fault somewhere in the country." A fault break in strong rock will release more energy than a similar-sized fault break in weaker rock. "The communication between scientists, civil defence and emergency response agencies, and the public has improved over the decade since the Christchurch earthquake.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 21, 2021 19:41 UTC