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New Zealand is full of
constantly changing rivers. Added to their pleasing beauty they
provide life and energy for people.
Studies
We explore the geography that
created them, the forces that drive them, their uses to human settlers and
their dangers. Rivers
appear robust but we learn how they can be damaged, unfairly used and even
destroyed by human intervention.
We explore the geography that
created them their uses to human settlers, their dangers and their roll with
human settlement.
Bed-load
We
become aware of the vast quantities of land building material rivers
collect move and deposit. We look at
the processes, benefits problems and management of this phenomena as it
applies to human settlements.
Erosion
See rivers shaping of the land and making new
challenges for people
Meanders
We look some of these investigating the various flow rates, profiles and
erosion/deposition processes involved. As well as visiting a selection of
these
KANES
use models to convey concepts for groups studying these forms.
Braids
Near the coasts and at the outflow of glaciers most rivers deposit bed-load
that create the plains and tundra areas. when we pass these areas we see
this processes working. We explore the difficulties this form of
deposition causes to roads and farms we see the engineering required to
reduce the effects of this and look with fear into the future.
Sources
We explore glaciers, springs, rills, networks, confluences, aquifers, land
absorption etc. Some itineraries take us the full length of a major river.
See
Haast River
Velocity and flow rates
Studies of these involve measurements that get your feet wet and
sometimes cold.
KANES
provide facilities and worksheets for groups wanting to take these readings
(advance notification needed).
Management
Societies need to distribute the uses of the recourse to the various
sections that want to access them. At the same time you learn of the
importance of maintaining the river so its uses are able to continue for
future generations. We look at how societies distribute the use of the
river and the various ways human use could damage the resource without
proper management systems and
controls in place. Systems we learn about and view include:- canals,
embankments, straightening, lining, dredging
constricting and aligning.
River animals
and plants
Biology students see various natural life forms that depend on healthy
rivers. We learn of the importance of river plants and animals and examine
ways these are sustainably managed.
Gold
Rivers have the capacity to accumulate gold from normally sparse,
distributions. We can learn how this process works and see the
evidence of past gold rush towns that removed the rich gold concentrations
formed by the rivers.
Hazards
Rivers are deadly and were the biggest
killers of people in the early days of settlement establishment. Today, they still take
many lives. We learn of their power, see their potential for flooding,
property destruction, and to suddenly take intruders into their many deadly, unseen traps.
Crossings
Travellers need to know the dangers of rivers and the techniques to
cross them safely.
KANES
studies include choosing crossing locations, equipment required and
organising skills.
Recreation
Rafting,
Canoeing
Jet Boating,
Fishing, Swimming are all popular activities that use rivers.
Interested groups can participate and study the businesses involved.
Transportation
We see how this shaped towns and cities that once relied on rivers
for their movement of goods and harbours to link ocean shipping.
Irrigation
Agricultural industries rival for the essential water rivers provide. We
view the various ways water is used and distributed on to the land. In
addition we explore the methods for management of the resource.
See Also
Floods -
Explore the regular dangers for settlers transport systems and industries
Aquifers -
Life
giving treasures hidden below us
Gorges
- Awesome spectacles if natures forces
Rapids -
Fast erosion pockets often used for fun and
challenge Some are killers.
Hydro
Electric Power
Witness the ways people use water to power
their cities
Rivers in the world's wettest
areas
Desert
land rivers
Eroding Alpine rivers
Rivers on the plains
North Island rivers (Main Population
Zone)
Hydro Electric Power
Clutha River
(610
cumecs)
Link Waitaki River
(356
cumecs)
Link Kawarau River
(216 cumecs
Link images |
New
Zealand Student Tours with
KANES
