Researchers are getting a better understanding of the damage earthquakes could cause to the lower North Island

GNS Scientists have analysed the Tokomaru and Northern Ohariu faults that run between Levin and Palmerston North.

They've found the fault lines are more active and trigger quakes more often, than previously thought.

Lead author, Dr Genevieve Coffey expects the magnitude from the faults to be registering around the mid sevens on the Richter scale.