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Alpine Fault hanging wall

Cliff face near Gaunt Creek, Westland -Alpine Fault hanging wall

The reverse fault motion of the Alpine Fault means that one side is raised up over time to form a hanging wall (as shown by this cliff face near Gaunt Creek, Westland). The hanging wall contains rocks that were once underground. Over millions of years, the uplift of the hanging wall has formed the Southern Alps.

Glossary

Rights: Dave Prior
Published: 29 February 2012Size: 68.32 KB
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