Landslip

Introduction

Earthquakes and volcanoes don’t have a monopoly on drama in New Zealand’s geological history. Landslides have left their mark on the country too. In December 1991, 12 million cubic metres of the east face of Mt. Cook crashed down the mountainside. Mt. Cook went from 3,764 metres to 3,754 metres in the process.

Every year in New Zealand there are hundreds of less dramatic but nonetheless destructive landslips, many damaging homes and other property.

Land slip
(Photo courtesy of D. D. Bird)

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