No structures were left standing in this area which was hit by a fast moving wall of sand-laden water up to 15 m high, within about two minutes of the earthquake. GPS locations, morphology, evidence of wave height, and the depth of deposition and scour were measured along four transects across the Warapu spit. Sediment samples were taken along each transect and additional longshore sites were also linked into the GPS grid. Scour in excess of 2 m was recorded in the vicinity of the graveyard. A preliminary analysis of core data indicates at least two erosional contacts, one overlain by a fining-upwards sequence of sand.
Photographs show some important locations in the area.
Debris stranded by the waning flow of the backwash. However, it should be noted that the tree is now submerged and dying. This is indicative of subsidence at the site.