Dr. Jade Humphrey, an Ngāi Tahu postdoctoral researcher at the University of Canterbury (UC) She led a landmark collaborative study of the timing of very large earthquakes in New Zealand’s lower North Island. Her research covers over 5,500 years of data. It presents striking clustering patterns of magnitude 7 and larger earthquakes along many of the key regional faults. This key research improves our understanding of our nation’s seismic threats. It raises important questions related to the risk of future earthquakes.
Dr. Humphrey’s study utilizes paleoseismic methods and historical records to analyze data from the Wairarapa, Wellington, Ōhāriu, and Hikurangi subduction zone faults. These results imply that roughly two-thirds of large earthquakes on these faults happen in clusters both in time and space. This clustering phenomenon hints at possible interactions between different fault lines. These types of interactions have the potential to greatly improve earthquake preparedness in the regions they touch.
Insights from Paleoseismic Research
Dr. Humphrey’s favorite part of paleoseismic work is the hands-on experience of examining fault lines up close, digging trenches and observing sediment samples. She studies past earthquakes, most recently the Hope Fault in New Zealand. In the end, her samples uncovered evidence of seismic activity that stretches back at least 12,000 years.
The methodology used in the study rolls back that black box and illuminates the intricate realities of fault interactions. This study achieved by Dr. Humphrey very carefully reviewed the geological history to understand the history of large earthquakes. This work went a long way in shedding light on seismic patterns over the last several millennia. The research illustrates that we need to know more about how these faults interact with one another. This demand is most needed in highly urbanized places such as Wellington.
Through years of research, Dr. Humphrey has narrowed his focus down to one notable cluster of earthquakes. These seismic events happened about 200 years ago in the lower North Island. This temporal clustering indicates that earthquake occurrences are not completely random events but a result of geological processes.
Implications for Earthquake Risk
Dr. Humphrey’s research is not an exercise in academic curiosity. It is one of the most important forces that drives public safety, and therefore urban planning. If time matters, these results show us that earthquake risk in the Wellington region is typified by its temporality. This means that some time periods are more risky than others.
As urban areas grow and density increases, the prediction of complex fault interactions may prove more important than ever. Dr. Humphrey’s research sheds light on why geological knowledge should be at the core of emergency preparedness plans. By identifying trends within historical seismic occurrences, leaders can make more informed predictions on where risks are most likely to occur and improve their emergency response strategies.
Dr. Goetz is pursuing some really promising new research. He would like to begin using earthquake simulators to help visualize the connections between various faults. This exciting new approach could provide even greater transparency for predicting when earthquakes will occur and how they can be incorporated into enhanced models of risk.
Academic Contributions and Future Endeavors
Dr. Humphrey also leads multifaceted research. She brings this inspiration and fizz to the classroom herself, serving as a successful, dynamic lecturer for a fourth-year Geology course at UC. Her dual role as an educator and researcher allows her to share valuable insights with students while advancing scientific understanding in her field.
Dr. Humphrey will be present at UC’s Spring Graduation celebration on August 26. She’ll be bringing those insights back to her new peers—academics and students alike. Her work as both a geologist and paleoseismologist continues to deepen the scientific community’s knowledge and understanding. They are key actors in the fight to develop policies that improve public safety during earthquakes.