Story: Engineering on the sea floor

Cook Strait currents

Cook Strait currents

Cook Strait is not only a bottleneck for wind; as this map shows, tidal currents pour through the narrow gap between the North and South islands. They scour the sea floor and transport gravel back and forth. This makes a harsh environment for cables lying along the seabed. The cables are armoured to protect them from abrasion.

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Source: NIWA – National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research

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How to cite this page:

Keith Lewis, 'Engineering on the sea floor - A hostile seabed', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/map/6631/cook-strait-currents (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Keith Lewis, published 12 Jun 2006