Can you forecast an earthquake?
Researchers from Victoria University have brought us one step closer to more accurately forecasting when large earthquakes could occur. Using data from the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake, they have been able to prove that sediment in under water landslides - called Turbidites - can be used to find out how many large earthquakes have happened in a particular area in the past. By assessing this pattern, they can then estimate when the next high magnitude earthquake could occur. It's the first time this method has been proven to work. Lead author of the study and senior lecturer in Victoria University of Wellington's School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences Jamie Howarth spoke to Corin Dann.