New Zealand Geography

New Zealand is on of the large earthquake countries in the world.

In 1885, the capital of New Zealand, Wellington was damaged by big earthquake called Wairarapa earthquake. It was caused by fault that ran from Wellington's north to the east. It wasthe biggest earthquake in the hitory of New Zealand, and the scale is guessed to be magnitude 8.2 at least. And, the most popular earthquake is Nepiar earthquake occured in 1931. The deadliest earthquake destroyed the ciyies of Napier, and 256 people died in the magnitude 7.8. By the earthquake, 200 buildings were destroyed. Now, almost all buildings were built again and changed the new city of Napier. However, the fear of the damage of this earthquake remain people's minds. In Japan, Hanshin-awaji earthquake occured in 1995 is the most famous earthquake. The magnitude was 7.3 and a lot of people died. Actually, 20 % earthquake in 1990s occured in New Zealand and Japan. Therefore, these tow countries called "two large earthquake countries" in the world. It is important to prepare to earthquakes.

New Zealand Geography

Taupo Lake is a very big lake in New Zealand. It is as large as Singapore. Its lake created about 2000years ago, and in those days it is said that its smoke cover and make Europe and China dark. Its surface area is 616k㎡, and the bottom of the lake is 186km. It is the biggest lake in New Zealand. The volcanic activity that produces this lake such as active volcanoes that soar in the lakefront and Tongariro National Park where the gush hole of steam and the warm water flow can be seen still here and there. Moreover, it can visit a still active geothermal activity such as the steams that make an eerie sound and gush and the boiling mud fountains in the part around the lake. In Japan, Biwa lake is the biggest and most famous. This lake is located in Shiga prefecture and many people come to see this lake. Its surface area is 670.33 k㎡, so Biwa is bigger than Taupo. This lake was made about 400~600 million years ago and the third ancient lakes in the world. Its water is used in Kyoto and Osaka.