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    Geoheritage and Geodiversity Assessment Framework for Practical Application to Geoconservation of the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
    (OICC Press, 2022-02-07) Zakharovskyi V; Nemeth K; Gravis I; Twemlow C
    Life on Earth is influenced by abiotic nature, providing resources and shelter for living beings on the Earth. Hence, this part of nature should be well treated and protected. Study of geodiversity can facilitate education about abiotic nature and processes occurring around us. Geodiversity as a discipline is relatively young, but worthy of more attention and development. As well as a stand-alone scientific field, it may draw on other scientific disciplines in understanding the connection between natural materials and abiotic processes. Our research explores the paradigm of geodiversity and defines its meanings and elements. This will help us make the first steps in developing a methodology of assessment of geodiversity for any type of territory on our planet. This article provides a conceptual framework, which is based on detailed description of the methodology. Additionally, it will build a better understanding about the connections between abiotic and biotic factors in the environment, and human society within that environment. Here we provide a globally applicable method, using the Coromandel Peninsula as a case study. Coromandel Peninsula is in the north part of the North Island of New Zealand. This environmentally diverse and ecologically rich region is shaped by interactions between volcanic activities and terrestrial/shallow marine sedimentation, potentially providing a rich geodiversity. A systematic table defining the elements of geodiversity is the main product of our research, and we demonstrate how these elements can be assessed in a simple way to define values of facets of abiotic nature, ultimately resulting in a holistic, integrated, and complete view of our unliving environment. This study is an initial step in building a common system for assessment of geodiversity of any part of our world using the most available data and records as a foundational database.
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    Karst geomorphology of the Puketoi Range, Northern Wairarapa, New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Geography at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1987) Halliday, Stuart Lorris
    The research described in this thesis is the first investigation of the karst geomorphology of Pliocene and Pleistocene limestones in the southern Hawke's Bay - northern Wairarapa area. The study area is the Puketoi Range, which is situated 30 km southeast of Dannevirke. The geology of the range is examined and a new geological map of the area has been completed. The Te Aute Group (Pliocene in age) forms much of the range. This consists of two limestone beds, the Te Onepu and Awapapa Limestone Formations interbedded between two mudstone beds. This is overlain by younger Pleistocene material, the Kumeroa Formation, the upper portion of which is limestone underlain by mudstone. Solutional processes and erosion within the range is investigated. Three distinctive types of water are identified: allogenic water derived from non-karst areas, autogenic water derived from the limestone, and mixed allogenic-autogenic water. Each of these water types has specific characteristics. The solutional erosion rate for a limestone basin within the range is approximately 58.2 m3/km2/yr. Selected karst and non-karst landforms and features developed on the Puketoi Range are examined. Two of these features, case-hardened limestone and bogaz, have not previously been described in detail in New Zealand. Many of the features are the result of, or have been modified by, past periglacial climatic conditions. Other landforms are developing under present climatic conditions. The characteristics of three drainage basins developed on limestone, mudstone and greywacke respectively, are investigated. The drainage density on mudstone is the highest of the three basins examined, and densities on limestone and greywacke are similar. Sediment is examined from two caves in the area. Within Ramsay's Neck Cave ancient sediment was probably deposited during the Otira Glaciation. This sediment consists of ancient cave stream sediment, forming basal gravels overlain by fine-grained sediment and, in places, speleothems. This sediment contains allophane, a volcanically derived material, which was possibly deposited after a heavy volcanic ash fall within the cave's drainage basin. The sediment examined within PT17 Cave is contemporary gravel fluctuating in response to present hydrological conditions within the cave. Surface features indicate that in the past, gravel has completely infilled the cave, re-establishing surface drainage until the gravel was flushed from the cave. The development of the Puketoi Range cuesta and its subsequent modification is examined. The two limestone beds on which the range has developed strongly control the shape and form of the range.
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    Geomorphology of the deglaciated Eglinton Valley, Fiordland : new insights into the origin of hummocky terrain : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Geography at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2016) Walker, Goldie Sky
    The distribution and types of landforms within deglaciated valleys provide information on past processes and indicate the potential for future changes and associated hazards. This study is the rst to characterise the landform assemblages within Eglinton Valley, Fiordland, New Zealand, and develop a model for the post-glacial evolution of the valley. In particular, it assesses the origins of hummocky topography on the valley oor which, like in many other parts of the world, have previously been interpreted to be glacial in origin. Geomorphic field mapping, GPR, sedimentology (clast and agglomerate identification), and a novel terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide dating (TCND) method of extracting meteoric 10Be from pyroxene minerals were utilised to reconstruct the geomorphology of the valley during the Holocene. Glacial deposits were confirmed at Knobs Flat and Eglinton Flat while RA deposits were conclusively found at Knobs Flat, Deer Flat, and adjacent to Lake Malvora. Eglinton Valley has been completely blocked on (a minimum of) three separate occasions, forming a large lake each time, with only Lake Gunn and a few minor swamps and lakes (e.g. Lake Malvora) remaining today. Relative age dating evidence suggests the first lake was formed by the large Deer Flat RA, the next formed due to the extensive Wesney Creek alluvial fan, and the youngest, Lake Gunn, as a result of the Lake Gunn Landslide ~7.6 kyrs BP. TCND was uncompleted due to lab contamination at the final step, however, the methods attempted here appeared to yield promising results. The Eglinton Valley has been sculpted by glacial, mass movement, and fluvial processes. This work advances the knowledge of the processes responsible for the hummocky terrain found throughout Eglinton Valley, and adds to the currently limited pool of research into the reinterpretation of hummocky deposits within deglaciated valleys in a global and New Zealand context.
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    Structural, tectonic and climatic control of the fluvial geomorphology of the Manawatu River west of the Manawatu Gorge
    (Massey University, 1968) Fair, Eileen Eleanor
    The Manawatu River is one of the major rivers of the North Is1and of New Zealand, draining a catchment of 2,296 square miles. The river is over 120 miles long and is one of the few rivers in the world to rise on one side on an axial mountain range, flow through the range and enter the sea on the opposite side. (See Fig.1.) The Manawatu River, rising on the eastern flanks of the Ruahine Range flows south to the 'Dannevirke Depression' (Lillie, 1953, 89) where it Joins the northeastwards-flowing Mangahao, Mangatainoka and Tiraumea Rivers. These rivers with catchments on the eastern side of the Tararua-Ruahine Range, drain an elongated basin which extends from north of Dannevirke to south of Eketahuna. They join the Manawatu River in the Dannevirke Depression then flow westwards across the Tararua-Ruahine Range in the Manawatu Gorge to the Kairanga alluvial plain. Although only one-third of the river's catchment lies to the west of the axial range, the river here has an attenuated course of 63 miles, a little more than half its total length. Between February and April 1967 the writer completed a preliminary study of the terraces along the Manawatu River, between the Manawatu Gorge and the river mouth at Foxton. Investigations revealed that the best terrace development existed on the ten miles between the Gorge and Palmerston North whereas, in the lower reaches, terrace development is limited by prevalence of flooding, the swampy nature of the terrain and the progradation of the coastline. The unstable sand dunes of the coastal belt have also masked most of the terrace series in the lower reaches of the river.
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    The late Quaternary geomorphology of the lower Manawatu : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Geography at Massey University
    (Massey University, 1975) Hesp, P. (Patrick)
    The geomorphology of the present Lower Manawatu floodplain and the valleys that exit at the margin of the floodplain, is presented. An introduction to the geology and geomorphology of the study area is given, and previous studies are reported where relevant. Two types of tributary valleys have been recognised in the study area. These valleys have been cut into the Tokomaru Marine Terrace. The first type recognised are predominantly gravel-floored, box-shaped valleys with headwaters in the Tararua Ranges. The second and major type recognised are box-shaped valleys without gravel floors. The first type have been formed by normal fluvial processes, while the second type were originally V-shaped, and have been infilled by estuarine sedimentation processes. The latter occurred as a direct result of the Flandrian Transgression. The morphology of the Tokomaru Marine Terrace margin is examined, and it is concluded that the margin is predominantly river-cut. The Manawatu floodplain was originally an estuary. As the Flandrian Transgression began the lower reaches of the Manawatu and eventually the Oroua Rivers were drowned. As the Transgression progressed, the Lower Manawatu became an estuary. It appears that the Himatangi Anticline and Poroutawhao High acted as effective barriers to direct marine incursion in the study area. The degree of warping and compaction of Aranuian sediments could not be ascertained. The degree of regional uplift has probably been greater than any localised anticlinal uplift which has been negligeable in the last 6000 years. An examination of fossiliferous estuarine beds near Shannon illustrates that typical estuarine processes were prevalent. A higher Post-glacial sea level than present is disputed for the study area. Finally, a brief geomorphological history of the study area is presented.
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    Reconstructing debris transport pathways on constructional ridges : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Quaternary Science at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2007) Mandolla, Stephanie
    It is generally accepted that Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand, was heavily glaciated during the Pleistocene. Eight small glaciers can still be found on the summit of this active volcano. However, the glaciers have been retreating at a fast rate during the last few centuries. The scientific community has placed its main focus on the volcanic aspects of the region. Although most authors refer to the landforms that appear to be of glacial origin as ‘moraines’, no actual glacial studies have been undertaken so far to provide the necessary evidence that is needed to support this hypothesis. The aim of this study is to use established field techniques in glacial geomorphology to (1) identify the extent of glacial deposits using diagnostic criteria and (2) to reconstruct the transport pathways of the Wahianoa Glacier. Four main diagnostic criteria have been used: clast morphology, macrofabrics, grain size distribution and the surface texture of grains. The Wahianoa valley has a very pronounced U-shape and is likely to be of glacial origin. The valley consists of two elongate debris ridges that are made out of unconsolidated, poorly sorted diamict of varying lithologies. This study has identified that the activity and the composition of the volcano has lead to complex glacial processes. Glacial ice has advanced over a deformable bed and the glacier itself was probably extensively covered by supraglacial debris. The area has been identified as a pre-historic pathway for lahars and the volcano erupts frequently to produce fresh volcanic deposits. As the active vent has changed its position during the eruptive history of the volcano, the quantity and the location of the source rock that fed the glacier has varied greatly. This study is an initial attempt at unfolding the glacial history of Mt Ruapehu. This is based on field analysis of glacigenic sediments, rather than topographic and aerial photo analysis. The results show great complexity and the potential for further studies of other moraine systems on Mt Ruapehu.