Improving earthquake resilience in the Taupō Volcanic Zone (TVZ) using school-based seismometers and connected education programmes

Abstract

Over the past decade several “seismometers in schools” programmes have been developed in Aotearoa New Zealand by a range of organisations, for a variety of reasons and aiming to achieve a range of educational outcomes. With the enhancement of digital seismic networks, the decreasing cost of sensors, cheaper and faster internet, and the increasing interest in “citizen science” a range of opportunities exist to further expand participation of school and other institutions in this space. This paper explores the recent development and deployment of a “seismometers in schools” programmes in Taupō Volcanic Zone (TVZ), as part of the ECLIPSE project (Eruption or Catastrophe: Learning to Implement Preparedness for future Supervolcano Eruptions) and discusses the challenges and opportunities for such programmes.