Gravity models of the Wairarapa region, New Zealand

Abstract

Two-dimensional and three-dimensional gravity models of the Mesozoic basement topography in the Wairarapa show that the major feature is the Wairarapa Trough, aligned SSW—NNE through the area. The Trough has two arms, one north of Eketahuna and the other south of Carterton. All three features are fault-angle depressions, bounded to the west by the West Wairarapa, Wellington, and Dry River Faults, respectively, and reaching their greatest depths at these faults. A structural contour map of the Mesozoic surface in the Wairarapa shows that the basement is covered by more than 3000 m of Cenozoic material. The West Wairarapa Fault is shown to be reverse in the south, with a dip as low as 15°. The other faults are apparently near-vertical. © 1978 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.