Cook Strait as a field for ecological study: Marine geology of Cook Strait

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TVarious aspects of the marine geology of Cook Strait of concern to the biologist may be considered under the following heads:
Morphology: The division of the central and southern areas of the Straits into regions is possible: a. Even, gently-sloping bottom in from 0 to 50 fathoms, e.g., Cloudy Bay, Palliser Bay.
b. Near-flat but irregular topography, 50- 70 fathoms. This is the outer edge of the shelf, and is diversified by minor basins
c. Basin area, D'Urville Island to mid- strait off Tongue Point, maximum depth 200 fathoms.
d. Cook Strait canyon, steep sides, high relief, 70-1000 fathoms.
e. Northern area, depth 50-100 fathoms, small relief.
f. The southern entrance to the Strait is fringed by the continental slope to the Kermadec Trench.