Public Sought To Help With Tsunami Research

Scientists Ask for Public Help With Tsunami Research

GNS Science is asking people who experienced last weekend's tsunami send in their videos and fill out an on-line survey outlining their observations.

The chance to collect eye-witness accounts, videos and photos of a tsunami arriving in New Zealand was rare and it was therefore a good opportunity to collect information that was useful for research, said survey compiler Kevin Fenaughty of GNS Science. "First-hand reports, videos and photos will help in understanding the range of impacts around the New Zealand coastline," Mr Fenaughty said.

"Our knowledge of what tsunami have done to New Zealand in the past helps to refine the computer models we run. The Chilean tsunami is another opportunity for us to add to that historical database."

“We have already seen excellent videos of the disturbances to the sea from last Sunday. We would encourage people to let us know what they saw, and if they have images to go with that, so much the better.

"Remember that tsunami are dangerous phenomena, so listen to the advice from Civil Defence officials and never place yourself at risk to get a closer look."

Mr Fenaughty invited people to visit the GeoNet website www.geonet.org.nz and read a news article called Chile Tsunami Survey, describing how to participate in the survey and how to share photos and videos.

ENDS

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