Story: Glaciers and glaciation

Moraine, Tasman Glacier

Moraine, Tasman Glacier

The site of the old Ball Hut is near the junction of the Ball and Tasman glaciers. The grass-covered terrace is made of moraine (rocks, sand and clay carried by a glacier). .

In the early 1900s the Tasman Glacier was higher up, at the same level as the terrace. The glacier has gradually melted and is now 130 metres below the terrace, causing the land to subside. Because of the subsidence, the Ball Hut has been abandoned.

Using this item

GNS Science
Reference: CN8329/29
Photograph by Lloyd Homer

Permission of GNS Science must be obtained before any use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Eileen McSaveney, 'Glaciers and glaciation - Glaciers in New Zealand', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/10730/moraine-tasman-glacier (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Eileen McSaveney, published 24 Sep 2007, updated 1 Apr 2021