Ian Simpson CE of GNS Science was the speaker this week.
GNS Science was born out of the Crown Research Institute originally DSIR in 1992 with Head Office in Avalon and operated out of there and Gracefield. Ian started with the mission for GNS = a safer, cleaner more prosperous NZ.
GNS works with other sector to tackle problems i.e. Niwa for cleaner rivers and lakes. Work also includes with other countries i.e. Japan moving to geothermal from nuclear where possible. GNS is also working with advanced materials which transfers materials to serve more than one purpose i.e. protecting hip joints (replacements) from infection. Dam safety is a major area of focus as is working with geological engineers to predict things like landslides and digital geological mapping.
Geonet is a very well understood app post the Kaikoura earthquake but it was interesting to note that while geo-hazard monitoring has been enhanced GNS does not offer tsunami watching which means if it is long and strong get gone! (provided you are close to the sea shore).
Ian also talked about the probability of sea level rising is a lot more likely than winning lotto as are storm tides which are predicted to be annual rather than a one in 100 year events. This means coastal homes will be displaced and we have already seen some of this in island nations. Volcanic eruptions are also likely so Aucklanders do not get out of the hazard issue afterall!
Ian finished with sobering statistics of a 5% chance of a Hikurangi Megathrust earthquake and tsunami in the next 50 years. So be prepared – which is what GNS is doing working on a regional resilience project to ensure water and electricity can be reinstated to much of our city post such an event. In summary GNS is working to understanding the hazards and risks and improving our ability to respond.