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The basic character of the "limestone barrens" was originally determined by the severe scouring effects of the last (Wisconsinan) glacial ice. The glacial ice reduced the barrens area to bare bedrock, and smoothed out the land. As the ice finally melted, it deposited a thin overburden of glacial gravels in some areas. Glacial striae reveal the direction of the ice flow in areas where the bedrock is still exposed.  Glacial Striae, scoured into limestone bedrock [Forteau Formation - Lower Cambrian (ca. 540-510 million years old)]. Hawkes Bay. Photo: Pat/Dan Montague. [CLICK image to enlarge.]  Glacial Striae, scoured into limestone bedrock. Hawkes Bay. Photo: John Maunder. [CLICK image to enlarge.]  Glacial Striae, scoured into limestone bedrock. Hawkes Bay. Photo: John Maunder. [CLICK image to enlarge.] Glacially-deposited "limestone" gravel has been heavily harvested in some areas, especially on the Great Northern Peninsula; much of it going into the building of the new Great Northern Peninsula Highway in the 1970's. [PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION] ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... |
