Tsunami science

Summary

This research examines tsunami deposits in the geological record at Purau, Port Levy and Pigeon Bay. Three paleotsunamis that inundated the area were identified, dating from 660-775AD, 1300-1400AD and 1604AD (this last event has been identified and documented elsewhere, hence its precise date). It also found evidence of up to four historic tsunamis - the 1868 Peru, 1960 Chile, 2010 Chile and 2011 Japan tsunamis.

Emergency management relevance

This research contributes to our understanding of how tsunamis behave around Banks Peninsula, and their impacts.

Additional information

Authors: James Goff, Jodie McLintock, Claire Kain

Date: 2015

Funders: Environment Canterbury

Format: University of New South Wales/Environment Canterbury report

Reference: Goff, J., McLintock, J., Kain, C. (2015). Purau Bay to Pigeon Bay: Searching for tsunamis on the seaward side of Lyttelton Harbour. Report prepared for Environment Canterbury by Tsunami and Natural Hazards Research Group, University of New South Wales, Sydney. Environment Canterbury report R15/150.