The Nevis-Cardrona Fault System, Central Otago, New Zealand: Late Quaternary tectonics and structural development

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Abstract
The Nevis-Cardrona Fault System (NCFS), in the west of Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand, is an active reverse fault system linking three structural basins—the Cardrona, Upper Nevis, and Lower Nevis Basins. Master faults extend between the basins and form a lens-shaped area between the Cardrona and Lower Nevis Basins, where the dominant northeast trend steps left, and major folding is present. Maximum vertical displacement across the system is 2 km. Dextral shear is suggested by indirect evidence and one good example of lateral topographic displacement. Total deformation of different segments appears to form a progressive sequence of development ranging from less displacement/no basin to complex basin structure with migrated master faults. Rates of fault activity vary along strike, but segment boundaries are poorly defined. Recurrence intervals of faulting are 3600–6000 years (Upper Nevis Basin), 4000–9000 years (Cardrona Basin), and <10 000 years (Lower Nevis Basin). Recurrence intervals for the whole system may be <3600 years. The NCFS appears to be transitional in tectonic style and rate of activity between the Central Otago range and basin province and plate boundary deformation west towards the Alpine Fault.

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