Macpherson, E.O. 1946 An outline of Late Cretaceous and Tertiary diastrophism in New Zealand. Wellington: Government Printer. Geological memoirs / New Zealand Geological Survey 6. 32 p.
Abstract: The major tectonic plan of this country is a recurved arc with maximum convexities directed toward the western Pacific margin on the north-east, and the East Australian Basin on the south-west. The sedimentary, igneous, and tectonic elements in this arc are briefly described. Late Cretaceous and Tertiary vulcanism is confined to the concave regions of the arc. Density distribution of seismic epicentres recorded during 1931-43 is related to the major structural plan, and shocks recorded as of shallow and intermediate depth (40-300 km) are related to regions of maximum curvature. A Late Pliocene fault pattern of longitudinal and transverse faults is related to the arcuate structure. Transverse faults are developed across the segments of maximum curvature. Late Cretaceous and Tertiary diastrophism is outlined. It is though that the theory of recurrent orogenies alternating with geosynclinal phases best explains the many discordances recorded in the sediments on structural highs and the thick sediments in the synclines. The diastrophic cycle culminated in wide-spread faulting in Late Pliocene times. Some implications of this structural theory are discussed. (auth)
