Engineering Geomorphology and Alpine Hazards Around Arthur’s Pass, Southern Alps

Details

Date: Wednesday 4 February
Departs from: Christchurch
Ends: Christchurch
Leaders: Dr Sam McColl and Dr Tom Robinson
Cost ($NZD inc 15% GST): Approx $95 per person

Description

The fieldtrip will take participants across the Southern Alps along State Highway 73, crossing the alps at Arthur’s Pass, crossing the Alpine Fault plate boundary, and transiting from the dry plains of Canterbury to the hyper-humid West Coast range front. The landscapes covered include the outwash plains of the Canterbury hinterland, the Southern Alps foothills, tectonic basins and karst landscapes, glaciated landscapes, alluvial fans, and a transit through steep, mountainous relief. The focus will be on the natural hazards affecting the highway and small settlements, produced by the combination of active tectonics, high erosion, and high rainfall landscapes, particularly focusing on rockfall, rock avalanche, and debris flow hazards.

Start and finish locations: The trip begins and ends at Te Pae.

Start and finish times: Participants need to arrive to Te Pae at 7.30 am for an 7.40 am departure. The trip will return to Te Pae at ~7.00 pm.

What to bring:

• Water
• Sun protection (sunhat, sunscreen)
• Warm clothing
• Water/windproof jacket
• Hiking shoes
• Personal medication

What to expect: Short walks on stable ground, including some small hillwalking. Maximum distance walked at any site will be about 300 m.