New Zealand Journal of Botany abstracts

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Identification of Tree Stumps and Driftwood Associated With Tephra Layers in Alluvium, Peat, and Dune Sands

W. A. Pullar

Soil Bureau, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Rotorua

Rajni N. Patel

Forest Research Institute, Rotorua

Abstract From 26 sites in the central and eastern parts of North Island, New Zealand, 37 specimens of wood have been identified botanically and their stratigraphic position established in relation to tephra layers of known age.

Driftwood derived mainly from podocarp trees (Dacrydium, Podocarpus) was sampled from five sites associated with old shorelines and river terraces in the Waipaoa River Catchment, and from two sites in the Whakatane River Catchment. The results indicate times at which the corresponding vegetation was growing in the upper parts of these catchments. Stumps between tephra layers sampled from coastal lowlands were mostly from podocarp trees growing in situ during the interval 2,100 to 1,800 yr b.p.

The paper also discusses the relationship of earth movements at Gisborne to other events including the Taupo Pumice eruptions, the significance of layers of preserved manuka (Leptospermum) in swamps, and changes in the coastline near Whakatane.

Received 23 February 1972
New Zealand Journal of Botany 10: 605-14.

PDF file of entire paper: medium quality (503K); (scanned from paper original: notes about this process)

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