Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand abstracts

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Valley cross-profile morphology and glaciation in Park Valley, Tararua Range, New Zealand

Martin S. Brook¹, Heather L. Purdie¹, and Tyne V. H. Crow¹

¹School of People, Environment & Planning, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

Abstract  Previous anecdotal research by G. L. Adkin over 90 years ago suggested that Park Valley in the Tararua Range was glaciated during the Late Quaternary, on the basis of the “U-shaped” cross-profile character of the uppermost parts of the valley. We quantitatively describe the cross-profile morphology of the upper parts of Park Valley in the Tararua Range, using the power-law model (y = ax^b) and the form ratio model (FR = D/2W). Comparison of these results with morphological data published in global studies of glaciated landscapes suggests the upper parts of Park Valley have indeed been glaciated. Palaeoglacier reconstruction of this area gives a surface area of c. 1.41 km², a maximum thickness of 130 m and a maximum basal shear stress value of 99 kPa. The equilibrium-line altitude of the former glacier has been calculated as c. 1210 m, and with the absence of any dated moraines, the glacier is assumed to have formed during the Otira Glaciation.

Keywords  glaciation; Tararua Range; valley; cross-profile

R05001 Received 20 December 2004; accepted 13 July 2005; Online publication date 6 December 2005
Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand
Volume 35, Number 4, December, 2005, pp 399–407

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