0
New Zealand lies astride two tectonic plates, the Pacific and the Australian. This gives us the Taupo Volcanic Zone in the North Island. In the North, the Pacific plate is subducting (diving under) the Australian plate. Material from this which melts at depth is the cause of the TVZ above.
In the SW of the South Island, the Australian Plate dives very steeply under the pacific one. The region in between these two opposing subductions has caused the Southern Alps to rise. Left to itself without erosion, Mt Cook/ Aoraki would be some 20km taller than it is.
The above picture gives a sound basis for understanding the development of the geographic features in New Zealand. Climate, and long standing sea level fluctuations go a long way to underlie the remaining features.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What are some New Zealand animals that begin with the letter N?
New Zealand Fairy Tern (a bird)
What animals are legal to have as pets in New Zealand?
Some animals that are legal to have in New Zealand are dogs, cats, and birds.
What are some good dating sites for New Zealand residents?
There are several good dating sites for New Zealand residents. Some of these include: Find Someone, The Group, Flirt Box, Dating Buzz, and Dating New Zealand.
Countries beside New zealand?
If this was your question, Countries close to Australia, are New Zealand, some of the Indonesian archipelago, and Papua New Guinea.
Where can one find information about Fly Fishing in New Zealand?
There are many websites and resources that offer information on fly fishing in New Zealand. Some of these websites that offer information are Fly Fishing New Zealand and New Zealand Fly Fishing.
What are some physical characteristics of new France?
h]
What are some examples non examples and characteristics of constitutional government?
australia, new zealand
What are some physical characteristics for the new England middle and southern colonies?
is wierd
What are some human characteristics in new Orleans?
New Orleans is a wetland and some places are below sea level.
When elements form compounds do they develop a new set of physical characteristics?
Yes. Not only do they develop a new set of physical characteristics, but also a new set of chemical characteristics.
What are some things that are about new zealand that start with w?
Wellington is the capital city in New Zealand
Was the karaka tree introduced to New Zealand from some other country?
No. The karaka is indigenous to New Zealand.
Which city is better for education in new zealand?
Otago which has some of the most excellent schools in new zealand
What is it like to move from New Zealand to Australia?
What is it like moving from New Zealand to Austrlia? What are some of the difficulties?
What are some New Zealand animals that begin with the letter N?
New Zealand Fairy Tern (a bird)
What are some characteristics for a physical change?
A physical change is a change that can be reversed easily and no new substances are made. Examples are state changes ie. solid to liquid or liquid to gas.
What are the physical characteristics of new brunswick?
i don't know please help
