Bathymetry

Landslides happen in the ocean just like they happen on land and this multi-disciplinary research expedition is looking at what that may mean for the waters off the Taranaki Coast.

Six large-scale slope collapse units (up to 4,000 km3) have been mapped offshore Taranaki-Waikato using 3D seismic data. However, we know very little about these complex processes, which substantially reduces reliability of hazard assessments and thus our preparedness. 

Acquisition of new marine geophysical and sedimentological data is critical to address this knowledge gap and help include submarine landslide-generated tsunami in future New Zealand tsunami hazard assessments.

This project is a collaboration between NIWA, GNS, University of Auckland and University of Newcastle. For more information: https://niwa.co.nz/our-science/voyages/2022-tasman-sea-tsunami

Are you interested in helping map the seafloor? Small data loggers can be used to record information from the positioning (GPS) and echosounding (fish finder) systems of any type of vessel. The Seabed 2030 team can even send a technician to install the device correctly for you.

If you are in the Pacific and keen to be part of a growing community for the Crowdsourced Bathymetry Initiative, please contact: [email protected]

For more info, visit seabed2030.org/crowd-sourced-bathymetry.