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Source: ONE News -
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A multi-million dollar investigation is underway as geologists
try to determine if there's a third faultline beneath
Christchurch.
They are working their way along New Brighton Beach, surveying
below the surface to determine where the faultline lies.
A machine called an Envirovibe sends sound waves two kilometres
deep into the earth.
"We can see the layers and see if there's any displacements," Jarg Pettinga of Canterbury University's Geological Science Department told ONE News.
The geologists have run a survey line along the beach which sends and receives signals. From those signals they can map any hidden faults.
"That in turn will allow us to estimate the earthquake hazards that are associated with them. Of course these are close to the city, under the city," said Pettinga.
The information will then be used to develop stronger building codes.
"Being adjacent to the city and beneath the city, it puts an imperative on us being able to understand and collect information that's relevant to the rebuild," said Pettinga.
The September 4 earthquake was on the previously unknown Greendale faultline west of the city.
The February 22 quake was centred below the Port Hills. But it's thought there's another fault further north which has caused many aftershocks including the Boxing Day shake.
There have been more than 1000 aftershocks since February 22 and they are expected to continue for years.
"We have to realise this part of the Canterbury region has been effectively activated with earthquakes and it's anticipated we will continue to feel earthquakes more frequently than we did in the past," said Pettinga.
Initial results are expected from the survey within two weeks.
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