The origin of the Koputaroa dunes, Horowhenua, New Zealand

Abstract

The Koputaroa Dune Phase was active in an area near Levin, Horowhenua County, during late Pleistocene time. The dune sand was considered previously to have been blown from braided river beds during the Otira Glaciation. Analysis of the heavy mineral content and roundness of Koputaroa Phase dune sand, modem fluvial sand, and Holocene coastal dune sand has indicated that some, at least, of the Koputaroa Phase dune sand may have been derived from a marine rather than a fluviatile source.

Keywords:

• dunes
• late Pleistocene
• heavy minerals
• grains
• roundness
• Horowhenua
• Koputaroa