Philippa Cowles

• BSc (Hons) Surveying & Mapping Science
• An Interpretation of the permanent deformation of the Christchurch earthquake 2011, using GPS monitoring data.

The aim of the research is to estimate, using various techniques, a full set of source parameters from the earth surface displacement, and obtained using GPS data from numerous sites. The movement of the earth’s surface will define the change in shape of the earth’s crust due to the stresses and strains from the earthquake. The origin and the mechanisms under the earth’s surface that caused the earthquake can then be interpreted from this. The research will provide an explanation for the event, which will help the population over-come the event and provide information on future possible earth movements in the area.

Funding Source: Newcastle University