Abstract:
The Waipipian strata of the South Taranaki Coast from south-east of Whenuakura River to north-west of Inaha Stream are divided into three formations, one previously erected, the Tangahoe Formation, and two new, the Rainie Sandstone and Inaha Formation. The Tangahoe Formation is subdivided into twentytwo new members.
A small plunging anticline just north-west of Patea is thought to have formed as/the result of movement on the Patea-Tongapurutu High. Elsewhere the strata dip gently in a south-westerly direction.
Paleoautecological observations are made on a number of fossil species. Several fossil benthic communities are recognised and compared with Recent communities.
Sedimentary structures and fossil faunas are used to deduce conditions of deposition for each of the stratigraphic units.
Waipipian temperatures were lower than at present for the same latitude. A gradual decrease in depth with time may be glacio-eustatic in origin.