Prelims – Current events of International Importance
Mains – Important Geophysical Phenomenon
Why in News?
A strong 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck off New Zealand’s South Island recently.
- It is one of the larger and southernmost of New Zealand in the southwestern Pacific Ocean.
- Straits - South Island is separated from North Island to the north by Cook Strait and from Stewart Island to the south by Foveaux Strait.
- Geography - Mountainous terrain occupies almost three-quarters of South Island.
- It is dominated by the Southern Alps which divide the island and affect both climate and flora.
- The Alps divide the Westland Plain from the Canterbury Plains.
- Fiordland National Park, distinctive area with numerous coastal fjords (inlets) and high lakes is situated in this island.
- It is part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Lakes - Lake Tekapo, Lake Wakatipu, and Lake Pukaki.
- Urban areas - Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill.
References
- Alzajeera | Earthquake in New Zealand’s South Island
- Britannica | South-Island-New-Zealand
