New Zealand glaciers have become a poster child for global climate change. This chapter takes an overview of the general environmental conditions that affect the nature of glaciation in New Zealand, with a particular focus on the Southern Alps. It includes a brief review of the history of glacial investigations in New Zealand and the evolution of ideas about glacial timing and causes. A major focus of the chapter is on understanding the context for glaciation in New Zealand. The importance of the very large, tectonically controlled, sediment supply and mild perhumid climatic conditions that allow year round water flow around the glaciers are highlighted. The glaciers are characterised by water derived features with kame terraces and outwash fans widespread through the lower courses of the glacial valleys. Modern glacier behaviour is related to both the resultant morphology and climate forcing. Cosmogenic Radionuclide Dating has permitted a significant advance in our understanding of the timing of glaciation over the last 100,000 years and the glacial advances of the last glacial cycle are described and discussed with respect to timing, causation and global climate links. Finally, some key areas for ongoing or future research are proposed.
...MoreBook James Shulmeister (2016) Landscape and Quaternary Environmental Change in New Zealand.
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