Geology Of The Kumara-Moana Area

Suggate, R.P.; Waight, T.E. 1999
Geology of the Kumara-Moana area.
Lower Hutt: Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences.
Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences geological map 24, 124 p.

Abstract

The Kumara-Moana map covers an area of nearly 1100 km² in north Westland, extending northwest from the foothills of the alpine ranges to the Tasman Sea coast between Greymouth and Hokitika.

Key geographical highlights include:

• Northwest of the Alpine Fault:

  • The Hohonu Range and Mt Te Kinga (both >1200 m) are prominent features.
  • These are separated from the dissected lowland by the Hohonu Fault.

• Lowland area:

  • Dominated by undulating moraine belts and extensive flat terraces.
  • Features a horseshoe-shaped escarpment of limestone in the northwest.

• Coastal strip:

  • A narrow area between a postglacial cliff and the shore.

Geological Coverage

The text provides detailed information on:

• Early Paleozoic sedimentary rocks
• Crystalline basement rocks
• Early Cretaceous to Pliocene sedimentary rocks
• Metamorphic rocks east of the Alpine Fault
• Middle and Late Quaternary deposits
• Economic geology
• Geological hazards

(auth/JIH)