Story: Active faults

Tree ring growth near the Alpine Fault (2nd of 2)

Tree ring growth near the Alpine Fault

This close-up of tree rings illustrates how annual tree growth varies. Analysis of closely packed rings in rimu trees near the Alpine Fault has shown that tree growth was poor in particular years: 1210 CE, 1445, 1580 and 1717. Major earthquakes in those years may have arrested the trees’ development.

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Department of Geology, University of Otago
Photograph by Craig Wright

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How to cite this page:

Eileen McSaveney, 'Active faults - New Zealand’s longest active faults', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/5083/tree-ring-growth-near-the-alpine-fault (accessed 5 June 2023)

Story by Eileen McSaveney, published 12 Jun 2006, reviewed & revised 1 Aug 2017