Why did the 2011 Christchurch earthquake cause so much damage?

The earthquake was felt across the South Island and parts of the lower and central North Island. While the initial quake only lasted for approximately 10 seconds, the damage was severe because of the location and shallowness of the earthquake’s focus in relation to Christchurch as well as previous quake damage.

What fault line caused the Christchurch Earthquake 2011?

The earthquake was caused by the rupture of a 15-kilometre-long fault along the southern edge of the city, from Cashmere to the Avon–Heathcote estuary. The fault slopes southward beneath the Port Hills and did not break the surface – scientists used instrument measurements to determine its location and movement.

How deep was the focus of the Christchurch Earthquake 2011?

5km
On 22 February 2011, at 12:51 pm, Christchurch was struck by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake. The quake was centred 10km south-east of the city at a depth of 5km.

What plate boundary caused the Christchurch earthquake?

A group of dextral strike-slip structures, known as the Marlborough Fault System, transfer displacement between the mainly transform and convergent type plate boundaries in a complex zone at the northern end of the South Island.

How long is the Greendale Fault?

7-km-long
The Greendale Fault surface rupture displays three sections of different geomorphic character (Figs. 1C–1I). The westernmost 7-km-long section is dominated by a single ‘broad fault scarp’ that changes in trend from N125°E to E–W (Figs. 1C, 1I).

How is shaking recorded in an earthquake?

Earthquakes are recorded by instruments called seismographs. The recording they make is called a seismogram. When an earthquake causes the ground to shake, the base of the seismograph shakes too, but the hanging weight does not. Instead the spring or string that it is hanging from absorbs all the movement.

What were the responses of the Christchurch earthquake?

Responses to reduce the impacts International aid was provided (around $6 to $7 million). Aid workers from charities such as the Red Cross came to help. 300 Australian police officers were flown in. Temporary housing was provided.

Which NZ towns have been affected by earthquakes?

These major quakes have struck New Zealand since 1931:

• Wairarapa, 1942 (7.2 and 6.8). These two earthquakes caused damage in Masterton, Wellington, and other centres.
• Inangahua, 1968 (7.1).
• Edgecumbe, 1987 (6.3).
• Canterbury, 2010 (7.1) and 2011 (6.3).
• Kaikōura, 2016 (7.8).