Tunnel erosion in the loess of Banks Peninsula

This study has examined in more detail than previous studies, and within the framework of the erosion model, the physical setting in which tunnel erosion occurs on banks Peninsula. Two selected parameters were studies in detail using quantitative techniques, that is, slope aspect and soil erodibility. Tunnel erosion on Banks Peninsula is largely a culturally induced form of erosion. European man disrupted the balance between climate, soil and primitive tussock cover by removing this protective cover, allowing the increased runoff easier access to the highly erodible parent material loess below the compacted layer in the soil. It appears most of the tunnel systems on Banks Peninsula today may be relict features corresponding to a period of maximum pasture deterioration prior to the late 1940’s