Glacial Geomorphology of the Waimakariri Valley in Canterbury

Details

Date: Wednesday 4 February
Departs from: Christchurch
Ends: Christchurch
Leaders: Jamie Shulmeister and Kate Pedley, University of Canterbury
Cost ($NZD inc 15% GST): Approx $65 per person

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Description

The fieldtrip will take participants to the Waimakariri Valley to look at the evidence of glaciation in this major valley system during the last (Otiran) glaciation.  At the height of the last glaciation ice extended about 80km from the headwaters to the Canterbury Plain. We will travel from Christchurch, via Porters Pass to the Cass area.  We will briefly examine the Porters Pass Fault and then proceed into the unglaciated landscapes between Porters Pass and Craigieburn Cutting stopping to examine the terrace sequence, underfit stream and limestone landscapes at Cave Stream.  We will then drive to the Cass Saddle where we will examine evidence for paleo-lake Speight. We will then head downstream about 5km to a location where we can look at ice breakout from the Waimakariri Valley and then cross over a low ridge to look at glaciation in the main Valley. Finish with an examination of glacial and fluvial sediments in a large outcrop on the slope.

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

Start and finish times: Participants need to arrive to Te Pae at 8.20 am for an 8.30 am departure. The trip will return to Te Pae at ~5.00 pm.

What to bring:

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

What to expect: We will walk about 1km across a low hill to an observation point over the Waimakariri. The ground may be wet and we will need to step through a couple of fences. We will walk through shrubland. Some mobility is needed and hiking shoes are strongly recommended. Other stops will include only minor walking.