GNS Science experts have embarked on a research project to determine the earthquake risk of a recently discovered fault in Waikato. A newly discovered fault line near Morrinsville could potentially produce a 6.7 magnitude earthquake. GNS Science located a 25-kilometre fault line in Te Puninga, 27km from Hamilton, and is working to determine how great the earthquake risk is to surrounding residents. Based on its length of 25km, the fault could generate a 6.7 magnitude earthquake, earthquake geologist at GNS Science Dr Pilar Villamor said on Thursday. The fault line is connected in-depth but as it gets closer to the surface it is broken up when a rupture occurs.

Source: Stuff February 17, 2021 23:31 UTC