Story: Historic earthquakes

Gravel volcano in the Matiri valley (2nd of 2)

Gravel volcano in the Matiri valley

This mound of sand and gravel was created when sediment liquefied during the Murchison earthquake. The sand spurted out at the surface, creating a mini-volcano. Although such features formed by sand and mud often result from earthquakes, this appears to be a unique example where gravel boulders have been ejected, indicating the force of the eruption.

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Private collection
Photograph by Noall Berryman

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How to cite this page:

Eileen McSaveney, 'Historic earthquakes - The 1929 Arthur’s Pass and Murchison earthquakes', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/4495/gravel-volcano-in-the-matiri-valley (accessed 29 March 2024)

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