Seam correlation in the central Rapahoe Sector (Greymouth Coalfield) can
be enhanced by detailed lithostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy. Rewanui Coal
Measures are overlain comformably by lacustrine, deltaic and fluvial strata, and
this upper contact can be located using lithological and geophysical log
character. The Cretaceous-Tertiary Boundary (KTB) occurs near the top of Rewanui
Coal Measures and has been identified palynologically in 16 drillholes. The
Rapahoe Sector can be subdivided into two palynostratigraphic domains which
adjoin along a basement normal fault which was downthrown to the north during
coal measure deposition. The KTB provides an isochronous surface which is
independent of the lithostratigraphic datum. Using the KTB as a datum, the
Upper', Main' and Submain' seams can be reliably correlated throughout the
southern and central Rapahoe Sector. Similarly, the Submain' seam can be
correlated with c' seam of the Strongman Mine area, though other Strongman
seams are absent from the central and southern Rapahoe Sector.