Geological map of New Zealand 1:1 000 000 (2 print maps)

Edbrooke, S.W.; Heron, D.W.; Forsyth, P.J.; Jongens, R. (compilers) 2015
Geological map of New Zealand 1:1 000 000. Lower Hutt, N.Z.: GNS Science. GNS Science geological map 2.
2 print maps

Abstract

In 1865, the year the New Zealand Geological Survey was established, James Hector produced the first geological map of New Zealand at a scale of about 1:2 000 000. In the year of the 150th anniversary, this new 1:1 000 000 scale geological map of New Zealand is released by GNS Science, the Geological Survey's successor.

The new map is based on the recently completed second edition, 1:250 000 Geological Map of New Zealand series, named "QMAP" (for Quarter-million MAP), and incorporates the advances in understanding of New Zealand geology that came from it. It also includes the geology of the Kermadecs and subantarctic islands, which were not included in QMAP coverage.

Key Features of the Map

• Geological Units:

  • Distinguished primarily by age of deposition or emplacement, using international time scale units.
  • Sedimentary units are differentiated and coloured according to their depositional age, with overprints used to distinguish those deposited in non-marine and coastal environments.
  • Late Cretaceous and younger igneous rocks are coloured shades of red to pink, rather than the colours assigned to sedimentary units of comparable age.
  • Metamorphic rocks are portrayed according to their known or inferred protolith age. Haast Schist rocks have overprints differentiating textural metamorphic grade.
  • Major allochthonous units are marked with a diagonal white stripe overprint on the underlying protolith colour.
  • Basement sedimentary rocks are portrayed according to age and technostratigraphic terrane affinity.

• Fault Representation:

  • Most known active faults are shown.
  • Only selective "inactive" faults are included due to necessity.

Map Details

• The map consists of two sheets:
  • North Island
  • South Island
• Each sheet includes detailed geological legends.
• Digital vector data for the map are available:
  • On DVD through this Webshop.
  • Through the GNS Science website and web servers.