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New Zealand straddles two tectonic plates. The Pacific Plate subducts below the Australian Plate in the North, and the Australian Plate subducts below the pacific Plate in the South.

The bit in between is caught between these two opposite forces, and thus the Southern Alps have risen.

[It is possible that the Alpine fault in the south is an extension of a transcurrent fault of the Pacific's mid-ocean ridge, and becomes the Kermadec trench in the north beyond New Zealand, and then the Tonga trench further on again.]

But back to the question, it is the stress between these two opposed subductions that is the ultimate cause of the multiplicity of faults in NZ's landscape.

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Q: Why are there so many fault lines in New Zealand?
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Related questions

Which new zealand city is build near four active fault lines?

The city of Wellington in New Zealand is build near four active fault lines. The city is also the capital of New Zealand.


How many fault lines are there in New Zealand?

Two one in the north runs through the middle of the island and the same in the south


Does new zealand lye on a flaut line?

There are dozens of active and inactive fault lines in New Zealand. The most prominent of these would be the Great Alpine Fault, which rivens the South Island.


Why did Christchurch have an earthquake?

New Zealand lies on the confluence of 4 different fault lines


Where are the main fault lines in New Zealand?

New Zealand lies directly on the Alpine Fault, which runs almost theentire length of the South Island. In the North island, there is another, separate fault line running along the length of the island. The city of Wellington lies on what is called the Wellington Fault.


What kind of natural disasters does new zealand have?

The major hazard would be fault lines. New Zealand is situated over at least one major fault line which means earthquakes are frequent in some areas.


Which cruise lines offer New Zealand cruises?

Most major cruise lines offer New Zealand cruises. Some examples of cruise lines that offer New Zealand cruises include Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Celebrity cruises.


How far does the New Zealand fautline extend?

The Great Alpine Fault has its origins in the far south at the mid-ocean ridge - perhaps as an extension of the transcurrent fault associated with the m-o-r.In the north, it joins up with the Kermadec trench and proceeds northwards.There are many smaller fault lines throughout the country, many still active.New Zealand is tectonically unusual in that it straddles the boundary of two plates. These have caused the mountain uplift of the Southern Alps.


What are the name sof the city's or towns in new zealand that have a fault line?

In New Zealand you'd be lucky to find any town that did not have a fault line within 20km. Live with it, and most importantly PREPARE.


Why did New Zealand have an earthquake?

new zaeland is on a major fault line part of ring of fire


What are examples of a transformer?

The San Andreas fault in California is a major transform boundary or fault, as is New Zealand's Alpine fault and North America's Queen Charlotte fault.


Are there fault lines on planets but earth?

No. Earth is the only planet known to have fault lines. but as we exploe new planets we may find some