CONFERENCE SESSIONS

Changing Landscapes; Surface Process Dynamics, Evolution, and Impacts

If you research any aspect of landscape dynamics or landscape evolution, or the impacts of Earth surface processes, then this session will be a great place to present your work. The session aims to showcase measurements and observations of the changing surface of Earth or beyond, over contemporary to geological timescales, and contribute new understanding to what drives these changes, and the environmental and hazard impacts that they impart.

Session Convenors: Sam McColl, GNS Science; Katie Jones, GNS Science; Kevin Norton, Victoria University of Wellington; Sean Fitzsimons, University of Otago; David Barrell, GNS Science

Earthquake Science from Intraplate to Interplate

This session will showcase the new and innovative earthquake science research that is taking place across Aotearoa. There have been many recent developments in understanding the seismotectonics of low seismicity areas, major plate boundary features, and everything in between. These developments have been multidisciplinary, from the fundamental findings of field studies (on and offshore), through to the statistical analysis and physical modelling of earthquake occurrence in space and time. We invite contributions across the spectrum of earthquake science, and will combine these all into an exciting session that will provide the options of both oral and poster presentation.

Session Convenors: Mark Stirling, University of Otago; Ting Wang, University of Otago; Genevieve Coffey, GNS Science

Ensuring Invaluable Scientific Observations are Obtained Pre- and During the Next Alpine Fault Earthquake

The conditional likelihood of a large Alpine fault earthquake in the coming 50 years is about 75%. Knowing this, what scientific data should we be collecting now? Can we quantify the pre-seismic 3D stress state, geodetic strain, sediment flux, and many other parameters so that post-seismic change can be easily identified. We welcome presentations on recent Alpine fault research (seismology, geodesy, paleoseismology, structural geology, landscape evolution and interdisciplinary studies) as well as discussions of what and how Aotearoa’s geosciences community can do now to ensure invaluable scientific observations are obtained pre- and during the next Alpine fault earthquake.

Session Convenors: Phaedra Upton, GNS Science; Kate Clark, GNS Science; Sigrún Hreinsdóttir, GNS Science; Emily Warren-Smith, GNS Science

Evolution of the New Zealand Biota: In Honour of R. Ewan Fordyce

This session will explore recent contributions to our knowledge of ancient life and environments gained by studying the fossil record of New Zealand. Contributions are invited across every branch of the tree of life and across all timescales, in honour of the wide contributions to natural history made by Ewan Fordyce.

Session Convenors: Daphne E Lee, University of Otago (Honorary Professor); Daniel B Thomas, University of Auckland (Honorary Academic)

Future-Proofing Energy and Minerals: Geoscience in the Low-Emissions Era

As we work toward a sustainable future, our primary industries must balance growing energy and mineral demands with reducing environmental impact. This session unites experts from renewables, hydrocarbons, and minerals sectors to discuss emerging technologies like offshore wind, geothermal minerals, carbon sequestration, gas hydrates, and natural hydrogen. Expect engaging discussions on new discoveries, regional case studies, innovative technologies, and the critical intersection of geoscience and energy policy. Join us to explore how geoscientific data informs sustainable energy decisions and helps shape a low-emissions future.

Session Convenors: David Dempsey, University of Canterbury; Ludmila Adam, University of Auckland; Jess Hillman, NIWA

Geoscience Education, Outreach and Communication

In a world increasingly reliant on geoscience, how can we effectively educate the next generation and foster public engagement to enable informed decision-making? This session provides a platform for participants from any background to share experiences, best practices, and innovative approaches geoscience education, outreach and communication.

Welcome contributions in two areas: 1) sharing results of work in education research, outreach and engagement initiatives, or citizen science projects; and 2) offering practical tips and tools, from specific teaching methods to resources for curriculum design, recruitment strategies, industry training or public engagement activities. Examples from all education levels and audiences are welcome.

Session Convenors: Sophie Briggs, University of Otago; Kate Pedley, University of Canterbury, Faye Nelson, University of Otago

Great Southern Land (and Ocean): Research from Antarctica and the Southern Ocean

This session will celebrate the breadth of Antarctic and Southern Ocean research. We invite contributions from across the spread of research that takes place in the deep south. Including geophysics, ocean and terrestrial drilling, sea ice, surveying, geochemistry, mapping, glaciers and ice mechanics, modelling, and paleoclimate.

Session Convenors: Greer Gilmer, GNS Science; Meghan Duffy, University of Otago

Magmas and Volcanoes of Zealandia and Beyond

This session invites presentations on igneous rocks, volcanic deposits, volcanic hazards, volcanoes and society, and any other aspect of igneous petrogenesis or volcanism. Work on Zealandia will underpin the session, but we also invite contributions on aspects of magmatism from further afield that address broadly relevant aspects of volcanism and other magmatism.

Session Convenors: Marco Brenna, University of Otago; James White, University of Otago; Jie Wu, University of Otago

Mountains to Sea Research in Fiordland

This session will bring together researchers who work in all disciplines in New Zealand’s unique southern fjord region. We invite contributions from across the spread of research that takes place in Te Rua-o-te-moko/Fiordland. Including geophysics, ocean circulation, geochemistry, paleoclimate, mapping, land dynamics, hazards, basement geology, and seismicity. If you work in Fiordland, then this session is for you!

Session Convenor: Greer Gilmer, GNS Science

Preparation for the Next Big Quake Rapid Response Science, Cascading Hazard & Scenario Development

This session is intended to highlight multi-disciplinary science that enhances our ability to respond to the next large earthquake in Aotearoa. We seek contributions on the development of rapid response science tools, operational systems, rapid hazard and impact assessments, end-user uptake, and/or catastrophic scenario development and preparedness. We also encourage submissions exploring novel machine learning techniques and data science, dynamic forecasting, as well as cascading hazard approaches that bridge earthquake, risk, landslide, liquefaction, tsunami, groundwater, coastal and social science.

Session Convenors: Anna Kaiser, GNS Science; Caroline Orchiston, University of Otago; Elena Manea, GNS Science

Regional and General Geology: In Honour of Jane Forsyth

A session of eclectic and wide-ranging topics to acknowledge and honour the broad interests of the recently-deceased Jane Forsyth. Jane was a highly-regarded field geologist, popular book author, and science communicator at GNS Science Dunedin. She retired in 2013. Jane was senior author of the 1:250 000-scale Waitaki geological map which takes in 300 million years of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary geology and regional tectonics. We hope to attract a broad selection of geoscience papers to this session including from those who knew Jane.

Session Convenors: Nick Mortimer, GNS Science

Tsunamis in the Southwest Pacific – Monitoring, Evaluation, Response and Mitigation

This session will provide an opportunity for wide-ranging discussions both on the scientific interpretation of recent and historical tsunamis, the processes that caused them and how to reduce their future impact. It will gather together participants interested in the end-to-end processes that lead to better mitigation of the tsunami risk to New Zealand and neighbouring Southwest Pacific countries, through hazard and risk assessment, land-use and evacuation planning, monitoring and forecasting.

Session Convenors: William Power, GNS Science; Craig Miller, GNS Science; Jonathan Hanson, GNS Science; Jean Roger, GNS Science

Understanding Diverse Volcanic Processes

A session covering the volcanoes and magmatic systems in Aotearoa, the wider Zealandia continent, and across the South Pacific. Understanding these volcanoes is crucial for enhancing the resilience of communities and the country as a whole to volcanic risk. Our session aims to explore the diverse range of volcanic processes, from magmatic behaviour to volcanic hazards, and their impact on local communities and landscapes. Intended to be multidisciplinary, we invite contributions to the session including geochemistry, physical volcanology, geophysics, remote sensing, and scenario modelling.

Session Convenors: Eleanor Mestel, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington; Finnigan Illsley-Kemp, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington; Simon Barker, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington; Stephen Piva, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington; Sigrún Hreinsdóttir, GNS Science Te Pū Ao

Underwater Geosciences

Underwater geosciences captures physical, chemical, and biological processes, including social and cultural values and environmental management. This interdisciplinary session aims to examine processes that influence cycles, structure and composition of aquatic environments. We invite presentations on rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastlines and oceans, and those processes that affect the distribution of habitats.In concert with the conference theme, we also encourage studies exploring source-to-sink processes and drivers that modulate contributions to underwater environments (e.g., habitats, land-use, climate change, human connections, and seismicity).

Session Convenors: Dr Alan Orpin, NIWA; Dr Sally Watson, NIWA/University of Auckland

Urban Geosciences

Present and future urban areas need various types of geoscientific information to aid resilience to natural hazards and maintain and grow economic health. This session will explore the nature and breadth of geoscientific enquiry, geotechnical or engineering geological applications and achievements being carried out to help support the communities in the towns and cities of Aotearoa New Zealand, and beyond.

Session Convenors: David Barrell, GNS Science