Story: Sea floor geology

New Zealand’s marine sediment

New Zealand’s marine sediment

This map illustrates the distribution of the main types of marine sediment found on the ocean floor around New Zealand. Close to shore, land-derived muds, sands and gravels are dominant. Further from shore, organic sediments formed from the shells of tiny sea creatures become more common. In the very deep ocean basins, clays are present.

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Source: NIWA – National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research

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How to cite this page:

Keith Lewis, Scott D. Nodder and Lionel Carter, 'Sea floor geology - How sediment forms', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/map/5615/new-zealands-marine-sediment (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Keith Lewis, Scott D. Nodder and Lionel Carter, published 12 Jun 2006