0
These are very different geological concepts. About 200 - 180 million years ago (Mya), the super-continent Pangea started its break up into Laurasia (the northern bits) and Gondwana land, the southern bits. This was merely the latest forming and break-up of the ancient continental cratons. Maybe the third in the series(?).
New Zealand on the other hand was formed from the sediments in an off-shore trench (a geosyncline), with a granite continent on one side, and a chain of island arc volcanoes on the other. At this time, 200 Mya, New Zealand and Australia are largely joined to Antarctica and the other landmasses of Gondwana.
About 110 mya, this super-continent started to break up, and the first of the New Zealand mountain-building eras took place, the Rangitata Orogeny. The South Island is still a long way away from the North. About 80 Mya the Rangitata landmass breaks away from Antarctica, the Tasman Sea is about to open, and this latter continues till about 40 Mya when the Tasman spreading stops.
About 25 Mya the latest of the mountain building episodes takes centre stage, the Kaikoura Orogeny, which lifts the Southern Alps, and is probably caused by the same tectonic movements that produce the Alpine Fault. The two major lands are brought together to form modern New Zealand. So much for the geology.
But Maori legend also has its explanations of the lands and their fearures.
Very briefly, before Ranginui and Papatuanuku, the world is dark, and the two halves are separated to form land and the heavens. Eventually along comes the great Maui, and from his canoe, (te Waka a Maui), he fishes up the North Island, a mighty fish, te Ika a Maui. Following this the canoe is overturned to create the Southern Alps, and god-like fogures stride across the land, carving the lakes, fiords, and mighty rivers.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Do the insects 'crickets' live in New Zealand?
Yes, there are crickets in new zealand, along with their close-cousins, grass-hoppers, katydids and ciccadas.
How does the New Zealand legal system work?
The New Zealand legal system is based in british law and works very much along those lines
When was the New Zealand halfpenny no longer as legal tender?
It ceased to be legal tender in 1967 - along with the rest of the then British currency. In 1967, New Zealand adopted the NZ dollar.
New Zealand have a picture of a kiwi on its money?
The NZ $1 coin has a kiwi depicted on it.
What is the New Zealand and Australian currency?
New Zealand and Australia have distinct currencies. Australia has the Australian Dollar and New Zealand has the New Zealand Dollar. They are not interchangeable or usable in both countries and they have differing values.
Is New Zealand a part of gondwanaland?
It was.
Of which continent is New Zealand a part?
New Zealand is an Island Nation and not a part of any continent.
What did gondwana split into?
Gondwanaland mainly split into India, Australia, New zealand, Africa, South America, Antarctica, Madagascar.
Did kiwis originally come from Australia?
The kakapo originated in Gondwanaland, and when the great continent split apart, they were confined to the same place where they are found now, which is New Zealand. Kakapo are endemic to New Zealand, meaning they are not found anywhere else in the world.
Where is the New Zealand sea lion found?
The New Zealand Sea Lion is found in open oceans and along the coastlines of islands south of New Zealand.
What country did New Zealand soldiers fought along side with?
New Zealand and Australia fought together. They were called ANZACs.
Do the insects 'crickets' live in New Zealand?
Yes, there are crickets in new zealand, along with their close-cousins, grass-hoppers, katydids and ciccadas.
Do people in New Zealand learn English?
English is spoken and taught in New Zealand. It is our official language along with Maori and sign language.
What is the name of a seabird found along the coastline of New Zealand?
seagull!
Where can used New Zealand stamps be obtained?
New Zealand stamps can always be purchased in a New Zealand post office. Stamps, along with rare and old stamps, are also available online from various websites.
New zealand is part of which continent?
New Zealand, along with the pacific islands and Australia, is part of the continent australasia, or australia, as some people call it.
How does the New Zealand legal system work?
The New Zealand legal system is based in british law and works very much along those lines
