Which river valley in the South Island Southern Alps holds the record for the highest annual rainfall in New Zealand, exceeding 11,000 mm?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. The Cropp River catchment near Hokitika on the western slopes of the Southern Alps
- Step 1: Orographic lifting of moisture-laden westerly air over the Southern Alps produces extreme precipitation on the West Coast. Step 2. The Cropp River recorded 16,617 mm of rainfall in a single calendar year (1997-1998), among the wettest places on Earth. Answer: The Cropp River catchment near Hokitika on the western slopes of the Southern Alps. Why not the others: In contrast, towns east of the mountains like Alexandra receive under 400 mm annually.
Practise more Climate, Natural Resources, Offshore Islands and Subantarctic Territories.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed General Knowledge (New Zealand) mock tests.
More Climate, Natural Resources, Offshore Islands and Subantarctic Territories questions
- What meteorological phenomenon produces the 'nor'wester' wind across the Canterbury Plains?
- Why is Central Otago the only region in New Zealand with a semi-arid, near-continental climate?
- What nickname is commonly given to the Northland region due to its warm, temperate maritime climate?
- Why is Wellington frequently described as 'Windy Wellington'?
- Which group of five uninhabited island clusters south of New Zealand was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998?
- What unique timezone is observed on the Chatham Islands relative to mainland New Zealand Standard Time (NZST)?