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Presents an interpolated map view of ground force acceleration data from Geonet sensors.
Ground force acceleration (GFA) measures how intensely the earth shakes at a specific location during an earthquake. GFA depends not just on the magnitude of the quake, but on its depth and duration, the length of the faultline, the distance from the epicentre, and local geology, so different locations will experience different GFAs during the same quake.
We’re all used to seeing quake magnitude data on maps, but the EQ visualiser software is the first to show GFA data graphically. It uses a colour-coded overlay on a map, ranging from red for the highest GFA, to green for the lowest. This “heat map” lets you see at a glance what areas of the city have experienced the most intense shaking, and are likely to be the most affected.
The visualiser uses GFA data from seismic sensors called accelerometers. The Christchurch City Council has partnered with local seismic instrument manufacturer CSI to install 150 accelerometers on key Council buildings. These sensors supplement GeoNet’s existing network of instruments, providing detailed ground force acceleration data for the entire city. Christchurch City Council will use the EQ visualiser after significant earthquakes to prioritise inspections of its 1200 buildings, trigger decisions on precautionary evacuations, and to assess which areas are likely to need assistance most urgently.
The programme will provide an engaging and easily understandable visualisation of the ground force acceleration of a seismic event that will enable:
EQRNet has superseded EQRV.