Geological fieldtrip I

Sunday morning at 8:30 am, we met at Te Papa to go on a fieldtrip to Castle Rock (to the northeast). The idea was that the geology mimics what might be out in the seafloor sediment where gas hydrates are found offshore. It was overcast, occasionally foggy, with sporadic light rain - but very beautiful.




This area the land consists of accretionary prism sediments - once this was seafloor.


Here you can see how active the tectonics really are: the hill is uplifted.



Suddenly, after three hours of driving, we were at the coast.


You can sort of see the parallel terraced ridges on the beach.



Pretty sandstone complete with worm trail.


These types of shells have traditionally been used for jewelry here.


Pretty sure that's a lamb jaw on the NZ beach.