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GNS Science Limited
GNS Science is a government-owned research and consultancy company with a high international reputation. Its purpose is to secure economic and social benefits by understanding natural processes occurring in the Earth’s crust. The main base is at Avalon in Lower Hutt. There are also offices at Wairakei (near Taupo) and Dunedin in the South Island.
Research at GNS Science covers many scientific topics. Much of it aims to help us understand:
- how the land of New Zealand was formed, and how it is changing
- what is happening now beneath the surface of New Zealand and the surrounding ocean
- what and where are important mineral resources
- how people can be warned of, and protected from, geological hazards
- how people respond to geological hazards.
New technologies are important at GNS Science. For example, technology based on isotope chemistry contributes not only to Earth science, but also to industrial X-ray scanning, climate and atmospheric research, nanotechnology and archaeology.
GNS Science works closely with other organisations. For example, GeoNet (http://www.geonet.org.nz/), a project within GNS Science, is funded by the Earthquake Commission. GeoNet monitors geological hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis and landslides. You will even find volcano webcams here.
GNS Science is also using fossils to help understand New Zealand’s past. This helps scientists predict future climate and environmental change. Fossils also play a role in locating deposits of oil and gas and minerals. GNS Science has the largest fossil collection in New Zealand, including some of the few dinosaur fossils found here.
This article is based on information current in 2007.
Type
Government
Contact
GNS Science
PO Box 30368
Lower Hutt 5040
