Research + monitoring
Research projects
The following hazards research projects are currently in progress (2006/07):
If you would like to receive an email reminder when new information is added, please send your email address to jane.olsen@arc.govt.nz.
Hazard consequences modelling project
The aim of this project is to provide an idea of which parts of the Auckland region are vulnerable to different types of hazards. This information is vital in helping the region to recover quickly from disasters.
The project, which covers the entire Auckland region, uses a semi-quantitative methodology.
Each layer (e.g. population, buildings, heritage sites) will be assigned a factor of vulnerability depending on that layer's ability to withstand damage from the hazard. The layers, their assigned vulnerabilities, and scenario hazard layers (e.g. different thicknesses of volcanic ash) will then be combined to estimate the consequences of disasters.
The outputs of this model will be at community and suburb scale. It will be used by emergency managers throughout the region for creating training exercises, targeting public education resources, and planning for response activities.
The project is not property specific and will not be used for land-use planning purposes.
As of December 2006, the first two hazards to be modelled (volcano and cyclone) were well underway. It is estimated that output maps and reports will be ready by June 2007.
Tsunami inundation modelling
The ARC has progressed with the first stage of identifying the tsunami risk for the Auckland region.
Reports detailing the generation, propagation, frequencies and magnitudes of tsunamis have now been completed. These reports used historical and paleo-tsunami data to identify sources capable of generating potentially threatening tsunamis. The reports also indicated that tsunamis occur more frequently in the Auckland region than many people think.
It has been estimated that the east coast of the Auckland region will be exposed to a tsunami with a maximum height of 3.5m once every 500 years. Such an event could flood low-lying areas.
While these reports are helpful in showing what sections of our coast are at risk, and where the threat will originate, they do not provide insight into what the water will do on land.
Therefore, the second stage of investigating tsunami risk will involve modelling tsunami inundation and its potential to cause major damage to life, property and infrastructure (by July 2007). The ARC will engage a tsunami expert to estimate tsunami inundation for the most likely event.
This information will be provided to the police and emergency services who have primary responsibility for evacuation. Evacuation maps will be made available on the internet for 24 hour use and access by the public. Easily identified evacuation lines will be assigned based on main roads and key landmarks.
Volcanic ash disposal sites
The Auckland region is prone to ash fall from volcanic events. Ash, originating from eruptions in the central North Island and the Auckland Volcanic Field, has been deposited across the region in the past and similar events may occur in the future.
The need to remove ash quickly from transportation routes, utilities, homes and businesses is important to ensure vital services continue to operate. To avoid major delays, rapid clean-up from the affected areas need to take place. Identification of suitable ash deposit sites before an event , will assist in this process during an emergency.
The ARC is working with the Territorial Authorities (i.e. Auckland City Council, Manukau City Council, North Shore City Council and Waitakere City Council) of the region to identify ash disposal sites that will be environmentally and physically safe, as well as being culturally and economically acceptable, to Auckland's communities.
For further information on any of these projects please contact:
Jane Olsen, Emergency Management Analyst
Auckland Regional Council
Phone: 09 366 2000 x 7138
Email: jane.olsen@arc.govt.nz
