http://images.travelpod.com/tw_slides/ta01/59e/620/the-alpine-fault-line-runs-under-fj-glacier--fox-glacier.jpg

The Alpine Fault

Hello again! I have finished my hike up Mount Everest, and have now moved on to the pristine landscape of New Zealand, and the Alpine Fault. I have settled down in the beautiful city of Dunedin, in New Zealand. Enjoying the leisures of life, as I relax in the home of my old friend Jesse J. Jamieson.

http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2013/223/3/4/dunedin_houses_by_6blackrose6-d6hlttq.jpg

Jesse's house is the second one to the left

After having my fare share of luxury (and kiwis) it's time to learn about the the reason for my arrival; the Alpine Fault. This fault is in the transform category, which is where two plates consistantly slide past eachother, eventually snagging, and then evening out with incredible force. This causes frequent powerful surface earthquakes, and small, non volcanic uplift mountains, accompanied by a valley between the mini ranges.

http://mohumes.wikispaces.com/file/view/transform_fault.gif/201807346/348x245/transform_fault.gif

Transform Fault

http://hoopmanscience.pbworks.com/f/1348757835/transform_20boundary.jpg

Transform Fault

The last time that this fault has ruptured, was the year 1717. The Alpine Fault is where the Indo-australian tectonic plate and the Pacific plate come together,  Anyway, I better get packed up, I'm heading down to the fault in a few hours, and I better be prepared. See you soon!