Story: Geology – overview

The Alpine Fault

The Alpine Fault

The Alpine Fault is remarkably straight, bisecting the South Island and forming the western edge of the Southern Alps, as illustrated in this digital terrain model. It was not recognised until 1941 because the area was rugged and isolated, and earlier generations of geologists were unable to view the topography from the air.

Using this item

Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

Source: GNS Science

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Eileen McSaveney and Simon Nathan, 'Geology – overview - New Zealand – a geological jigsaw puzzle', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/map/8283/the-alpine-fault (accessed 28 March 2024)

Story by Eileen McSaveney and Simon Nathan, published 12 Jun 2006