Voyage to discovery: drilling to diagnose slow slip earthquakes

GNS and NIWA scientists are preparing to go on two voyages, joining the International Ocean Discovery Programme, onboard research ship Joides Resolution, alongside scientists from 26 countries worldwide to learn more about Hikurangi subduction earthquakes and slip behaviour. Drilling equipment onboard will take core samples from beneath the seabed and sensors are being inserted into bore holes to monitor activity on this slow-slip subduction zone. Kathryn Ryan speaks with NIWA principal scientist Phil Barnes and project leader at GNS Science Laura Wallace, who has recently held a series of hui with East Coasters about the project.