Working Thesis Title:
Coseismic river response to fault surface deformation
My research involves quantifying and modelling the process of coseismic river response (CRR) to surface rupturing earthquake events. Rivers underlain by active faults are vulnerable to the effects of surface rupturing displacements that may reduce the ability of the affected channel to convey all incoming streamflow. A river may respond by flooding outside of its channel and may sometimes establish of a new channel within the floodplain; a process otherwise referred to as avulsion. Analysis of global case allows me to explore the site-specific susceptibility factors linked to CRR occurrence and hazard potential. Site-specific flood hazard is explored via a new digital modelling technique capable of simulating fault displacements within river channels. Combining this technique with 2D hydrodynamic flood modelling (calibrated against a real coseismic avulsion event) allows me to further explore how future surface rupturing fault ruptures may influence flood hazard within New Zealand.
Degrees Held:
BSc in Geology
Professional History:
Teaching Assistant (School of Earth and Environment), 2023, 2024
Earthquake Specialist (IAG, 2014 - 2021)
Complex Claims Analyst (The Earthquake Commission, 2012 – 2014)
Publications:
Erin McEwan et al., Coseismic river avulsion on surface rupturing faults: Assessing earthquake-induced flood hazard. Sci. Adv.9,eadd2932(2023).DOI:10.1126/sciadv.add2932
Selected Conference Proceeding:
McEwan, E., Stahl, T., Howell, A., Langridge, L., Wilson, M. 2023, “Examining coseismic river response to surface-rupturing fault displacement”, QuakeCore annual meeting, poster presentation.
McEwan, E., Stahl, T., Howell, A., Langridge, L., Wilson, M. 2023, “Coseismic River Flooding and Avulsion:
A new approach for modelling earthquake-induced flood hazards”, Centre for Land and Surface Hazards (CLaSH) land surface hazards modelling expo, oral presentation.
McEwan, E., Stahl, T., Howell, A., Langridge, L., Wilson, M. 2022. “Earthquake induced river avulsion along surface rupturing faults: A new approach to earthquake and flood hazard management”, American geophysical union (AGU) annual conference, poster presentation
McEwan, E., Stahl, T., Howell, A., Langridge, L., Wilson, M. 2022, “Investigating coseismic avulsion hazards:
A new approach for earthquake and flood hazard assessment”, Geoscience Society of New Zealand (GSNZ), oral presentation.
McEwan, E., Stahl, T., Howell, A., Langridge, L., Wilson, M. 2022, “Coseismic river avulsion on surface rupturing faults:
A new approach for earthquake and flood hazard assessment”, Rivers group conference, poster presentation.
Presentations:
McEwan, E., Stahl, T., Howell, A., Langridge, L., Wilson, M. 2024, “Coseismic river response (CRR) on surface rupturing faults: a review and analysis of global case studies”. QuakeCore surface rupture and slope stability meeting, oral presentation.
McEwan, E., Stahl, T., Howell, A., Langridge, L., Wilson, M. 2023, Coseismic River Flooding and Avulsion:
A new approach for modelling earthquake-induced flood hazards. Rapid characterisation of earthquake and tsunami (RCET) workshop, oral presentation.
McEwan, E., Stahl, T., Howell, A., Langridge, L., Wilson, M. 2023. Investigating and modelling fault rupture induced river avulsions (FIRA), Toka Tu Ake the Earthquake Commission staff scientific outreach program, oral presentation.
