Story: Historic earthquakes

Distorted fenceline, Glynn Wye

Distorted fenceline, Glynn Wye

The 1888 earthquake caused a 2.6-metre horizontal offset on the Hope Fault, visible in this fenceline at Glynn Wye. The fence has been re-strung, but the posts have not been moved. This photograph appears to be the world’s first to show horizontal fault movement caused by an earthquake.

Using this item

GNS Science
Reference: 4852
Photograph by Alexander McKay

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

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How to cite this page:

Eileen McSaveney, 'Historic earthquakes - The 1888 North Canterbury earthquake', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/4491/distorted-fenceline-glynn-wye (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by Eileen McSaveney, published 12 Jun 2006, reviewed & revised 28 Mar 2011, updated 1 Nov 2017