Scientists Reporting Direct from the Disaster Zone

Right now fault and earthquake specialists from New Zealand and abroad are rising to the occasion. These scientists have dropped whatever they were doing to focus on learning from a catastrophic event and formulating an estimate of what may happen next.

Nearly two weeks ago a magnitude 7.8 earthquake shook thousands of New Zealander’s awake, put many people at serious risk, extinguished two lives, and caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure. And it didn’t stop there. As of 7 am this morning, GeoNet had recorded 5710 aftershocks since the main event, and many of those events were large enough that the word ‘aftershock’ seems a strangely diminutive name.

Getting a handle on what's going on requires a massive effort because the Kaikoura M7.8 is shaping up to be one of the most complex earthquakes ever recorded on land, so fault and earthquake scientists have launched action.

These scientists are also working hard to keep you informed.

As a geologist, science communicator, and veracious consumer of news media, I’ve been tuned into this event over all channels. I’m stoked to have seen many excellent examples of scientists stepping up to connect with the public: to inform, reassure, and share their specialist viewpoint. Some have done it through originations and others with their own unique voice.

Here's a few outstanding examples of scientists reporting direct from the disaster zone during the last two weeks.

John Townend from the Victoria University Wellington sat-in with the Radio NZ National Check-point team on the morning of the earthquake. His ability to bring context and perspective was immensely valuable, but it was his crowded bus analogy that clinched it for me. By using this analogy, John was able to make a complicated concept real for the non-specialist.

Kelvin Berryman from GNS Science has been down on the coast north of Kaikoura. He bought us an up-close, no holds barred experience with the Paptea Fault Rupture. His straightforward explanations in this clip are backed by some great footage and high production values. But what I love most about the clip is the way Kelvin's descriptions are punctuated with the kinds of dynamic gesture many geologists are famous for—with arms wide and body tilted there’s no mistaking what way the fault moved.

Julie Rowland from the University of Auckland has been bringing us a raw accounts of the damage further inland. Her unique and personal video diaries show the human side of the scientists out there working for us.

Finally, I want to give a huge shout-out to the team at GeoNet who have been working around the clock to bring you the most up to date and accurate information about what’s going on. Check out their Facebook page, twitter feed, and website where they keep us updated on the latest shakes and provide excellent explanations of what’s going on.

I especially want to praise GeoNet’s #emergencycute hashtag. It’s a ray of sunshine within all the shaking that reminds us of the humanity behind the data.

Keep up the good work folks.