Coastal Restoration Trust of New Zealand

Coastal Dune Ecosystem Reference Database

Bioerosion on shore plot forms developed in the Waitemata formation, Auckland

Author
Healy, T.R.
Year
1968
Journal / Source
Earth Science Journal
Volume
2
Number
1
Pages
26-37
Summary
Bioerosion - the removal of lithic substrate by the erosive activities of . living organisms - has not previously been discussed for New Zealand shore platforms. Tltis paper aims at drawing attention to bioerosion as a process active in shore platform development. . Detailed reference is made to bioerosion occurring on the alternating sandstones and siltstones of the Waitemata Formation found outcropping . on the coastline around Auckland. In this area several facets of shore platform morphology may be attributed to the direct effects of boring and browsing marine organisms. A classification of animals causing bioerosion, based on mechanism of erosion, is presented, and the geomorphic significance of the various groups discussed.