Story: Geology – overview

Schist tors

Schist tors

Schist tors (large standing rocks) are a distinctive feature of the landscape in central Otago. They are blocks of harder rock that remain after softer rock has been weathered away. This aerial photograph, taken near Strath Taieri, shows that tors are often aligned, possibly representing bands of harder material in the schist.

Using this item

GNS Science
Reference: CN39504/17
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 and Simon Nathan, 'Geology – overview - Disturbances on the edge of Gondwana', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/8311/schist-tors (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Eileen McSaveney and Simon Nathan, published 12 Jun 2006