Story: Active faults

The Alpine Fault (1st of 2)

The Alpine Fault

The Alpine Fault splits the South Island in two, and forms the abrupt western edge of the Southern Alps. It passes offshore in South Westland (bottom left), and is responsible for the almost straight edge of Fiordland.

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NASA Visible Earth
Reference: MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA/GSFC
Photograph by Jeff Schmaltz

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How to cite this page:

Eileen McSaveney, 'Active faults - New Zealand’s longest active faults', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/4366/the-alpine-fault (accessed 19 April 2024)

Story by Eileen McSaveney, published 12 Jun 2006, reviewed & revised 1 Aug 2017