Entrance of Nouméa IRD centre

Seismological laboratory is located in the Nouméa IRD centre, and its activities are carried out within the framework of UMR (Research Unit) Géoazur, which is managed in New Caledonia by Bernard Pelletier. We work in close co-operation with US (Service Unit) 191 IMAGO. (directed in New Caledonia by Jean-Yves Panché). The person in charge of laboratory's activities and website is Pierre Lebellegard. We also work closely with the seismological observatory of Vanuatu, where the Geohazards Manager is Esline Garaebiti. Seismological observatory is part of DGMWR (Direction of Geology, Mines, and Water Resources), whose Director is Christopher Ioan.

The person in charge of data transfer, data processing, and earthquakes' localization is Catherine Baldassari.

This website includes three main sections:

• General information about seismology, tsunamis, etc.
• A section for the scientific community: it describes our networks, current events, and provides access to seismological data.
• A third section is interactive:
  

It allows anyone having felt an earthquake (mainly in New Caledonia and Vanuatu) to inform us using our online form: we can thus build a macroseismic database invaluable for evaluating and gaining increased knowledge of seismic hazard. Please do not hesitate to contact us this way.

We'll also endeavour to answer all questions you may have posted on our online forum. Lastly, we stay open to any criticism or suggestion you may express to improve this website.

Some parts of this site are available only in French: these are mainly the Press Review, and Macroseismic Survey form.

As english is not our mother language, a few mistakes may be present. Please report us any mistake to us, even the smallest ones. Thank you.

If you identify yourself on this website (optional), you may be e-mailed additional information. Of course, IRD will treat your personal information in complete confidence at will not pass it on to anyone else.

Aerial view of Nouméa IRD centre

To contact us:

Seismological laboratory