Alpine Fault

The Alpine Fault is a major geological fault located in New Zealand's South Island. It marks the boundary between two tectonic plates: the Pacific Plate and the Australian Plate. As these plates push against each other, the fault can generate significant earthquakes. The Alpine Fault is approximately 800 kilometers long and is known for its capability to produce large earthquakes every few hundred years. This fault is a key feature in understanding the tectonic processes that shape the landscape and geology of New Zealand, influencing its mountains and valleys. Scientists monitor it closely due to its seismic activity.