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Under The Microscope

NEW ZEALAND FROM THE ROAD, LANDFORMS OF THE NORTH ISLAND, by R. H. Clark; Heinemann Reed 1989; 178 pages; $29.95

This is a great book for anyone interested in the features of the North Island landscape, whether an amateur geologist or a geography teacher.

The text is clear and well written, the photos and diagrams are explanatory and well chosen. The map showing Auckland's 48 or so volcanic vents is particularly impressive.

There are some lovely nuggets of information that capture the imagination. Roman and Chinese records note brightly coloured sunsets in AD 186; they occurred because of dust from the Taupo eruption. There's a huge reservoir of fresh water under Rangitoto Island, most of it below the sea level of the surrounding Waitemata Harbour.

Professor Clark has not confined himself to geology, but has included interesting little snippets on mythology, local anecdotes and historical items relating to the landscape and its formation. A number of these are pleas to conserve parts of our landscape under threat, whether from mining in Coromandel or quarrying the Wiri Cave.

The book's genesis and main aim is to explain landforms for people travelling by car through the North Island. It's divided into six regions for that purpose, but would have been better served by grouping areas within those regions geographically rather than alphabetically. Darting from the Hauraki Gulf to the Huntly Coalfields to Kawau Island is fine for the armchair browser, but could be frustrating for a parent trying to interested bored offspring during a long drive.

Sadly, Professor Clark died during the production of this work.

Heinemann Reed plan a South Island companion volume. Both books would provide an excellent reference source on the local landscape, whether you're driving through it or not.