New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics abstracts

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Evolution of the New River drainage system, Westland

JANE M. SOONS

Research Associate
Department of Geography
University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch, New Zealand

Abstract  The small catchment of the New (Paroa) River, on the West Coast of the South Island, displays a markedly asymmetrical drainage pattern which reflects its tectonic and Quaternary glacial history. Outwash from ice in the Taramakau valley and Lake Brunner basin during the Nemona Glaciation created a new surface on which the forerunner of the modern drainage pattern developed. This pattern was modified through successive glaciations as valleys were deepened and streams diverted in a series of captures. Continuing deformation where the streams crossed the nose of the Brunner Anticline also played a part. A chronological framework of the capture sequence is provided by the input of sediments during the Waimea and Otira Glaciations.

Keywords  drainage patterns; geomorphology; Quaternary history; glacial sequences; West Coast; South Island; river capture

New Zealand Journal of Geology & Geophysics, 2001, Vol. 44: 137-143

0028-8306/01/4401-0137 $7.00/0 (c) The Royal Society of New Zealand 2001

PDF file of entire paper: medium quality (1640K); (scanned from paper original: notes about this process)

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