The scientific response to the 14 November 2016 Kaikōura tsunami – Lessons learnt from a moderate event

Abstract

The November 2016 Kaikōura earthquake ruptured 21 faults across North Canterbury and Marlborough in Aotearoa New Zealand. Some of these faults extended offshore. The earthquake triggered a cascade of hazards, including a localised 7 metre tsunami. The tsunami research community sprang into action. They provided advice around immediate tsunami risk and then collaborated to investigate various aspects of the tsunami. Much of the Kaikōura Region was inaccessible for months after the event due to major damage to road networks, bridges, rail, and port. It required a coordinated effort to achieve desired scientific goals while respecting the priorities of emergency services and affected communities. Although the moderate-sized tsunami caused little damage, the event occurred in a region vulnerable to future tsunamis and therefore presents valuable lessons. The authors of this paper were personally involved in the science response. They present successes and lessons experienced by the tsunami research community in Aotearoa New Zealand and compare these with guidelines for international post-tsunami field surveys for larger events.