The Akatore Fault remained a bigger threat to Dunedin than the Alpine Fault which runs through the length of the South Island's alpine zone. Zoology PhD student Elahe Parvizi used DNA evidence to compare modern samples of kelp along the uplifted Akatore coast, against populations from either side of the raised region. This DNA "anomaly" was still detectable today, and represented a modern trace of the ancient Akatore quake. "These findings show that a major disturbance event – even an ancient one like the Akatore quake — can leave a lasting DNA signature," Waters said. The team now plans to use genetic approaches to shed new light on ancient earthquake disruption events elsewhere in New Zealand and overseas.

Source: Otago Daily Times June 05, 2019 01:41 UTC