https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2020-83 Preprint. Discussion started: 8 April 2020 c Author(s) 2020. CC BY 4.0 License. The utility of earth science information in post-earthquake land- use decision-making: the 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence in Aotearoa New Zealand 5 Mark C. Quigley1,2, Wendy Saunders3, Chris Massey3, Russ Van Dissen3, Pilar Villamor3, Helen Jack4, Nicola Litchfield3 1School of Earth Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia 10 2School of Earth and Environment, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand 3GNS Science, Lower Hutt, 5040 New Zealand 4Environment Canterbury, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand Correspondence to: Mark C. Quigley (
[email protected]) 15 Abstract. Earth science information (data, knowledge, advice) can enhance the evidence base for land-use decision- making. The utility of this information depends on factors such as the context and objectives of land-use decisions, the timeliness and efficiency with which earth science information is delivered, and the strength, relevance, uncertainties and risks assigned to earth science information relative to other inputs. We investigate land-use 20 decision-making practices in Christchurch, New Zealand and the surrounding region in response to mass movement (e.g., rockfall, cliff collapses) and ground surface fault rupture hazards incurred during the 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence (CES). Rockfall fatality risk models combining hazard, exposure and vulnerability data were co-produced by earth scientists and decision-makers and formed primary evidence for risk-based land-use decision- making with adaptive capacity. A public decision appeal process enabled consideration of additional earth science 25 information, primarily via stakeholder requests.