Alpine Fault earthquake: 75% chance of magnitude 8 or greater quake in next 50 years

Scientists warn of 'very unlikely' chance of magnitude 7 or above quake in next year

The Alpine Fault is one of the most active fault lines in the world and it has a history of sudden movements

GNS Science has been producing earthquake forecasts since the late 1990s, but it wasn't until the 2010-11 Canterbury earthquakes that people got really interested.

The Alpine Fault is one of the most active fault lines in the world and it has a history of sudden movements. Scientists now believe we will see a magnitude-8 earthquake on the Alpine Fault within the next 50 years.

GNS Science estimates that there is a 2 to 14 percent chance of a magnitude 7 or above earthquake occurring within the next year on the Alpine Fault.

New Zealand's Alpine Fault has ruptured in a major earthquake on average every 250 years. New research shows a 75 percent chance of the next one within 50 years and it's likely to be a magnitude 8 or greater.

A magnitude 9 earthquake could potentially wreak havoc along the east coast of New Zealand, experts say.

The Alpine Fault is a major geological fault line that runs for about 650 kilometers (400 miles) along the west coast of New Zealand's South Island. It is one of the most active fault lines in the world and is responsible for some of New Zealand's largest earthquakes.

The last major earthquake on the Alpine Fault was in 1717. It is estimated to have had a magnitude of 8.2 and caused widespread damage and loss of life.

Scientists believe that the next major earthquake on the Alpine Fault is overdue. They estimate that there is a 75 percent chance of a magnitude 8 or greater earthquake occurring within the next 50 years.

A magnitude 8 earthquake on the Alpine Fault would have devastating consequences for New Zealand. It could cause widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure, and could trigger landslides, tsunamis, and other natural disasters.

Scientists are urging New Zealanders to prepare for the next major earthquake on the Alpine Fault. They recommend that people have an earthquake plan in place, and that they know what to do in the event of an earthquake.