Explain how the operation of natural processes affected the location and distribution of the natural phenomena

Distribution: The manner in which phenomena are located within the environment; where things are located within an area.


The Mangatepopo Valley is located on the North Western slope of Mount Ngauruhoe and on the South Western side of Mount Tongariro. A glacier formed the valley over 14,000 years ago that was eventually washed out leaving a terminal moraine and a lateral moraine on the left hand side. The glacier was formed by a build up of snow known as a cirque in South Crater, which eventually grew to occupy what is now known as the Mangatepopo Valley. The valley has been in a continuous state of redevelopment this is through the constant eruptions of Mt Ngauruhoe sending lava flows down the valley, which have continued to remould the land, and change the makeup of the soil. Added to this the lateral moraine is severely affected by climatic conditions such as Ice Heave which have the south facing side denude of vegetation and top soil.

The Rangipo Desert is found on the East...