An Auckland faultline has been reclassified as active, with researchers warning it has the potential to generate a large earthquake with serious consequences.
The Mangatangi Fault, which runs alongside the Hunua Ranges, could cause a magnitude 6.8 earthquake, according to a new University of Auckland study published in the New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics.
“This fault may not rupture again for tens of thousands of years,” said lead author Hannah Martin, a former earth science masters student.
“However, this is an active fault with the potential to generate a large earthquake in a region that doesn’t expect one.”
Geologist and co-author Dr James Muirhead said Auckland experienced very small magnitude earthquakes every year – including shakes from far afield – which typically went unnoticed by residents.
