Abstract
Gerald Lensen (1921-2004) was one of the leading scientists on active fault research in New Zealand and also his work is wel-known internationally. He has established the Earth Deformation Section within New Zealand Geological Survey (presently Institute of Geologic and Neuclear Sciences), and promoted this field of study. His main interest was the mapping of active faults and their progressive deformation through late Quaternary, as well as fault geometry. He contributed not only for the progress of the active fault study, but also he considered how this study can contribute to reduce sesmic hazard, especially in urban area like Wellington. His idea was realized for the relocation of Temarua dam site to move away from the Wellington fault. Town of Totara Park was desigend to avoid the Wellington fault, making a wide road on the location of the fault. He has come to Japan nearly 30 years ago and inspired Japanese colleagues by his energetic work and talk. He also welcomed Japanese scientific team to study late Quaternary tectonics. This short note summarizes his life and his contribution, with translation of obituary written by Pat Suggate and Peter Wood, which appeared in News letter of New Zealand Geological Society No.138,42-26,2005.
