Communicating with the Public during an Earthquake Sequence: Improving Communication of Geoscience by Coordinating Roles

摘要

After a large earthquake, geoscience agencies deliver information to public audiences about earthquakes that have recently occurred and aftershock forecasts about what might happen. We conducted focus groups and interviews about geoscience communications during the 2010-2012 earthquake sequence in Christchurch, New Zealand. Recorded experiences contain information about the public's appetite for scientific earthquake and aftershock information, psychological and psychosocial states that affect communications, increased demands for geoscientists' time and expertise, and multiple communication roles and responsibilities during the Canterbury earthquake sequence. Results of a preliminary analysis reveal that public consumption of geoscience information changes throughout the sequence and differs with respect to ways of coping.