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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.

About this item

GNS Science
Reference: CN24032/18
Photograph by Lloyd Homer

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

How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond. 'Rock, limestone and clay', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 2-Mar-09
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/rock-limestone-and-clay/3/2