Story: Limestone country

Fluted marble

Fluted marble

The marble on Tākaka Hill in north-west Nelson shows a very distinctive fluted pattern from weathering. This formation is known as karren. As rainwater collects on a rock surface it flows down its sides. Over time, water flows down the path of least resistance, dissolving the rock and forming a groove. As more rain falls and flows into the grooves, the ridges that form between them can become very sharp – they could cause a bad cut.

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Reference: 10049005

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How to cite this page:

Paul Williams, 'Limestone country - Karst', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/12381/fluted-marble (accessed 16 April 2024)

Story by Paul Williams, published 24 Sep 2007