Hazard and Disaster Management

Research Group Summary

The objective of the Hazard and Disaster Management research programme is to improve the use of science in hazard and disaster management decision- and policy-making. Most of the projects involve both advancement of scientific knowledge and understanding, and its application to reducing the consequences of hazardous events. Close contacts are being developed with the range of organisations concerned with disaster reduction both in NZ and overseas.

Current research programmes are focused on:

Volcanic hazards assessment and mitigation
Communication in emergency management
Mass movement hazards and mitigation
Hazard and vulnerability assessments
Land use planning for hazard mitigation

The contribution of other programmes to the Hazard and Disaster Management programmes is seminal; these hazards cannot be understood unless active planetary processes are understood, including active tectonics, landscape evolution and climate change.

The contribution of Engineering Geology to the Hazard and Disaster Management programmes is also fundamental. Site investigation techniques are used to assess the geological and geomorphic characteristics (slope stability, flooding, sedimentation, erosion, pollution) of potentially hazardous locations, and the potential for modifying natural processes by engineering works is also assessed. This is a rapidly developing area with great potential to contribute effectively to the future of sustainable development both in NZ and overseas.

Key Contact

Members - UC Staff

Members - Non-UC Staff

  • Scott Trevor Barnard: PhD Student; UC
  • Elke Hanenkamp: PhD Student; UC
  • David Johnston: Collaborator; GNS Science
  • Grant David Kaye: PhD Student; UC
  • Greg McRae: Collaborator; N/A
  • Mauri McSaveney: Collaborator; GNS Science
  • Thomas McDonald Wilson: PhD Student; UC

Subject Area: Disciplines

Resources