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Emeritus Professor Jarg Pettinga, a researcher in seismic and landslide hazards at the University of Canterbury (UC), has made contributions to the fields of plate tectonics, earthquake geology, and landscape evolution. One of the key highlights of his contribution has been the transforming impact of digital technologies on geological research.
Professor Pettinga explained that the transformation in his contributions has revolutionised the field of geological research. These technologies have provided researchers with the tools to capture landforms in unprecedented detail and accuracy. Two critical digital technologies that have had an impact are airborne LiDAR survey data and satellite imagery.
Airborne LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses laser pulses to measure distances to the Earth’s surface. It is a powerful tool for capturing high-resolution topographic data and landforms.
Combined with satellite imagery, these technologies have significantly expanded the available information, enabling researchers to develop models and gain in-depth insights into geological evolution and landform changes.
Complementing the micro-level detail, LiDAR provides the macroscopic perspective offered by satellite imagery. These orbital instruments capture vast swaths of the Earth’s surface, providing a broad, contextual view. By integrating this macroscopic imagery with the detailed data from LiDAR, researchers gain a holistic understanding of geological processes and landform changes. This synthesis of information enables a comprehensive examination of the Earth’s dynamic features.
In seismic hazard assessment, these technologies have proven valuable. They have allowed researchers to observe geological features and movements with unprecedented precision, aiding in the understanding of earthquake geology and landscape evolution. By leveraging the detailed data generated by these technologies, researchers can develop models that shed light on the forces and processes that have shaped the Earth’s surface over time.
“This precision has provided valuable insights into the mechanisms behind earthquakes and their associated hazards,” said Pettinga.
The high-resolution maps of the seafloor and the underlying geology obtained through these technologies have contributed to a more advanced understanding of seismic activity in the region. High-resolution marine mapping has become increasingly advanced, enabling researchers to create detailed maps of the seafloor and the geological features. This has opened a new way for understanding the processes and activities in the marine realm, including offshore earthquake activity that can result in tsunamis.
“It highlighted the crucial role of these technologies in documenting offshore earthquake activity and the active seabed processes around New Zealand,” asserted Prof Pettinga.
Prof Pettinga has witnessed a shift in the field of geological research with digital technologies that have provided researchers with detailed and accurate information. These tools have not only enhanced the precision of research but also expanded the capacity to observe and interpret geological phenomena, thereby advancing the scientific understanding of seismic hazards and geological processes.
Throughout his contribution, Prof Pettinga has been actively engaged in providing advice to regional and national groups, especially during seismic events. His expertise and research contributions have played a critical role in advancing our understanding of seismic hazards, particularly in the Canterbury region.
Prof Pettinga’s contributions mark the culmination of a contribution in seismic research by the transformational impact of digital technologies on geological research and seismic hazard assessment. His pioneering work in seismic research, aided by digital tools, has significantly advanced the understanding of seismic hazards, earthquake geology, and landscape evolution, benefiting academia and society.