Story: Rock, limestone and clay

Waimakariri River

Waimakariri River

This view illustrates the source of the gravels that make up the Canterbury Plains. A shingle fan coming down from the mountains carries shattered greywacke rocks to the river bed. The river in turn transports these rocks down to the sea, changing them into rounded boulders. Around Christchurch there are many pits where these gravels are dug up, washed, and crushed for use in construction projects.

Using this item

GNS Science
Reference: CN24032/18
Photograph by Lloyd Homer

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

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond, 'Rock, limestone and clay - Sources and uses', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/5217/waimakariri-river (accessed 30 April 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond, published 12 Jun 2006