Geology Modules

Geology of New Zealand: Field Camp

2010 Field Module Descriptions

Geology of New Zealand

Your 5-week New Zealand field camp is based out of the Southern Alps in the South Island and the Taupo Volcanic Zone in the North Island. The 5-week field camp experience is divided into several modules. Field camp begins in the City of Christchurch where you will stay one night before heading to the Cass Field Station in the foothills of the Southern Alps. There, and in Westport, you will be introduced to geologic mapping by studying various geologic terrains (see below). Following Modules 1 & 2 we will drive to KaiKora where we will study the active plate boundary and focus on Quaternary geomorphic processes. This will prepare you well for Modules 4 and 5 in the North Island’s Taupo Volcanic Zone where you will study volcanoes, volcanic hazards, geothermal features, and energy.

During field camp you will be staying is a combination of field research stations, holiday park cabins (right on the beach) and a couple of nights camping out. Food will be prepared by our chefs. Nightime will be filled by completeing field exercises, having discussions on current geologic topics, and enjoying New Zealand.

Field Module 1: Introduction to Geologic Field Mapping

Geology of New Zealand

The first component of this course is an introduction to field mapping at Castle Hill basin, located in the eastern foothills of the Southern Alps, inland Canterbury. This part of the course will focus especially on basic field mapping skills, including the compilation of a detailed stratigraphic column, mapping geological contacts and structures, and preparing geological cross sections. The structural mapping concentrates on the complex folding best expressed by a middle Tertiary limestone unit, and we will be developing a structure contour map on this unit. There will also be a geomorphology component included in the field mapping. This will develop an understanding of the link between the structural and geomorphic evolution of the basin, as well as slope processes.

Field Module 2: Gondwanaland to New Zealand

Geology of New Zealand

In the second component of this course we will integrate different types of geologic data to interpret a geologic history of the Buller District of the West Coast region, South Island. For this part of the field programme we will be based in Westport and our first key objective is to focus on the Cretaceous history of Gondwana breakup and extension by examining the metamorphic core complex, its less deformed cover and contemporaneous basin deposits. This leads on directly to our second field course objective, where we will examine the tectonic controls on the formation and evolution of the Cretaceous-Tertiary basins of the region. The field programme will also provide training in terms of basic field mapping skills such as the observation, recording and interpretation of folded bedding-cleavage relationships.

Field Module 3: Geomorphology: the Active New Zealand Plate Boundary:

Geology of New Zealand

This module is designed to provide the students with a mid-camp break but to also keep their minds fresh and thinking about geology. The Kaikoura peninsula is an excellent location to expose students to structural problems in the coastal cliffs and wave-cut platforms and at the same time keep an eye out for Killer Whales (Orcas) and dolphins swimming nearby. In addition, students do a small mapping project that exposes them to active tectonics (tilted and deformed stream terraces) associated with the modern plate boundary.

Field Module 4: Volcanoes: Eruption Styles, Volcano Monitoring and Hazards:

The Geology of New Zealand

The North Island of New Zealand is one of the most volcanically active regions on Earth. The magnitude, frequency, and environmental impact of eruptions here can be quantified in both time and space through careful field observations. In this module we will first observe and map the products from different styles of volcanic eruptions. This will provide a context for how volcanoes are monitored and the potential hazardous impacts they have on civilization.

Field Module 5: Geothermal Geology and Energy: a Sustainable Resource:

The Geology of New Zealand

Despite being the most active rhyolitic volcanic system on Earth, the volume of magma erupted is only 20% of the total heat flow in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. 4500 MW of the heat (i.e. the other 80%) is transferred to the ground surface in the Taupo Volcanic Zone through conductive hydrothermal systems. In this module you learn how that heat is transferred (i.e. the subsurface geology) and how it is turned into energy and transferred into the New Zealand electricity grid. During this module you will map the top of a geothermal system, visit a geothermal power station, look at the alternative/renewable uses of geothermal waste heat and learn what it takes to manage a geothermal resource.

2009 Geology Report

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