Periglacial phenomena in New Zealand

• Published in: Permafrost and Periglacial Processes
• Main Authors: Soons, J. M., Price, L. W.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1990
• Subjects: New Zealand; Permafrost and Periglacial Processes
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ppp.3430010206; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2Fppp.3430010206; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/ppp.3430010206

Abstract The presence of periglacial phenomena and activity in New Zealand is controlled primarily by altitude, especially as modified by topography and lithology. Thus, the alpine‐type mountains that form the backbone of the South Island (Southern Alps) show little in the way of patterned ground, while the block mountains of Otago and less sharply peaked mountains in Canterbury and Marlborough display these features on varying scales. Some forms are considered to be fossil, while others are at present active. This paper reviews the distribution and character of periglacial phenomena in New Zealand, as well as the broad factors controlling their origin and development.