Kōrero: Geology – overview

Banks Peninsula – extinct volcanoes

Banks Peninsula – extinct volcanoes

This aerial view shows Bank Peninsula, with the snow-covered Southern Alps in the background. Akaroa Harbour is at the centre left. Volcanic activity between 11 and 6 million years ago led to the formation of two overlapping volcanic cones. After this activity ceased, the volcanic complex became eroded to half its original height, and deep valleys formed. The present harbours at Akaroa and Lyttelton were formed when the valleys were flooded as the sea level rose to its present height about 6,000 years ago.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

GNS Science
Reference: CN23557
Photograph by Lloyd Homer

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

Ngā whakaahua me ngā rauemi katoa o tēnei kōrero

Te tuhi tohutoro mō tēnei whārangi:

Eileen McSaveney and Simon Nathan, 'Geology – overview - New Zealand reborn', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/mi/photograph/8382/banks-peninsula-extinct-volcanoes (accessed 29 March 2024)

He kōrero nā Eileen McSaveney and Simon Nathan, i tāngia i te 12 Jun 2006