Appendix Two A. The Physical Environment 1. Landforms/Geology Moderately to strongly developed schists with pronounced foliation into layers. Significant amount of alluvium and colluvium between mountain and hill blocks. Very steep to moderately steep, structurally controlled, hill and mountain slopes. Schist geology and its orientation is responsible for the blocky, evenly contoured nature of mountain slope landforms, less dissected topography (cf. adjacent Pelorus ecosystem) and the significant slope difference between the north and south facing slopes. Bluffs especially frequent on south faces. Alluvial terraces and fans are well-developed, especially in the Kaituna Valley. Significant floodplain and delta/tidal flat landforms at the mouth of the Kaituna and heads of Grove and Mahakipawa Arms. Linkwater alluvium, deposited largely from hill country to the south, has infilled the seafloor, separating Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds. Kaituna terraces formed by Pelorus River when it flowed south into the Wairau River. A coastline of shallow indented bays and few prominent headlands. Regionally important geological features: Kaituna river terraces and delta; Linkwater alluvial flats; Ada Creek schist geological contact. 2. Climate and Elevation Temperate to cool, moist to wet climate. Winter frosts typical - severe on valley floors. Temperature inversion and cold air drainage into valleys pronounced. Wide annual temperate range, especially in inland valleys - some ameliorating effects from the sea in the northern parts of the ecosystem. Summer droughts occasional. Frequent valley fog. Relatively high rainfall: 1500-2000 mm. Highest in Wakamarina headwaters. Occasional intense rainfall events. Valleys sheltered from strong winds and storms. High ridges and Richmond Range very exposed to prevailing westerly winds and storms. Winter snow on Richmond Range frequent. Limited maritime and coastal influence (Mahakipawa and Grove Arms). High elevation: 0-1641m altitude range; mean altitude 450 m. 3. Water High water quality in forested catchments and headwaters. Some degradation in lower gradient stretches, especially Kaituna River, as a result of intensive agriculture. B. The Biological Environment [Part of Pelorus, Para and Sounds ecological districts] Total land area of Kaituna ecosystem is 35,259 ha of which; 50% is in native forest, 11% is in shrubland(both native and exotic), 11% is in plantation forestry and 28% is in pasture and non-woody native cover. (Note: Percentages based on interpretation of 1990 satellite images.) App Two - 55