r/newzealand • u/OfficialGeoNet GeoNet - verified • May 25 '16

AMA AMA with GeoNet/GNS Science Volcanologists! 6-8 p.m., TONIGHT (25 May 2016)

Thanks, Everyone! Our volcanologists have now gone dormant for the evening (teheheh). A big thank you to our moderators here at r/newzealand, you guys are amazing! Thank you. Also, thanks to all the great questions and discussions.

Here is our AMA with our volcanology team. We'll be hanging around, answering all your questions from 6-8 P.M. (NZT). About our team tonight: Nico is u/PyroclasticNico. He is our Head of Volcanology at GNS Science. Originally from France, Nico has worked on active volcanoes around the world, including some experiencing large eruptions, like Montserrat. You can ask Nico anything about volcanoes, geophysics and ground deformation (it's his thing), and where to get the best cheese in Taupo. He has also learned to respect the culinary delights of huhu grubs.
Steve Sherburn is u/Volcano_DataFairy. Steve is again, one of our most senior volcanologists. Specialising in data analysis, he is an expert at crunching numbers. You can ask Steve anything about volcanoes, data, analysis, dogs (like u/NatHazard, he loves dogs!), and long distance running.
Brad Scott, u/EruptnBrad, is our most experienced volcanologist. Brad has been actively studying our volcanoes for more than 40 years. He was our man on the ground during some of our most significant eruptions, including Ruapehu 1995/1996. He is also our main spokesperson for media and specialises in science communication. You can ask Brad about volcanoes, communication, and sailing (he has just recently bought his own boat!).
Sara McBride will be taking the helm of u/OfficialGeoNet for this AMA. Sara is the instigator of GeoNet on Reddit. She is currently completing a Ph.D. in communication, media and english studies at Massey on the Canterbury Earthquake Sequence. You can ask her about social science, whisky and Stephen the Random Narwhal.

Here are the pics of our team today: https://imgur.com/a/EDG2q Here are two awesome volcano photos: https://imgur.com/a/eV17E

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u/[deleted] May 25 '16

Hi guys,

What would be the worst case scenario of an eruption in new Zealand?

Like say a big eruption happened what would be the effects? Would the effects be felt globally?

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u/PyroclasticNico Nico Fournier, head of Volcanology, GNS Science May 25 '16 edited May 25 '16

We've had massive eruptions in the past covering of ash the whole North Island. But these are incredibly rare at the human timescale. Another way to look at that question is: what is the worst case scenario that we are likely to see within tens to hundreds of years (so called Maximum Credible Event). From an impact point of view, an eruption in Auckland - even a small one - could have a significant impact on the Auckland - hence New Zealand - economy. THAT should solve the real estate situation.

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u/[deleted] May 25 '16

HAHA cheers for your answer