Volcanic Geology of the Taupo Volcanic Zone

Programme Leader

Jim Cole

 

Collaborators

Mike Branney (University of Leicester, UK), Bruce Houghton (University of Hawaii), Mark Jellinek (University of British Columbia, Canada), David Johnston (IGNS Gracefield Research Centre), Ian Nairn (Rotorua), Cindy Werner (IGNS Wairakei Research Centre), Valerio Acocella (Universita Roma Tre, Italy), Bob Wiebe (Franklin and Marshall University, USA).

The main focus of the programme is to study the deposits and structures associated with volcanism in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, in order to better understand the volcanic history and processes. Current research includes a volcanic, tectonic study of the calderas of central TVZ including magma chamber dynamics. This will, in turn, provide useful background information on periodicity and style of eruptions, which will aid hazard assessment.

 

Current Postgraduate Students

 

PhD

 

Scott Barnard: A quantitative analysis of the vulnerability of components of infrastructure to volcanic ash

 

Darren Gravley: Evolution and eruptive products of the Whangapoa Basin; a newly recognised volcanic centre in TVZ

 

Karl Spinks: Rift architecture and caldera geometry in Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand: Implications for caldera evolution.

 

Volker Peters: Volcanic risk management and evacuation planning; a case study for the Auckland Volcanic Field

 

Uwe Grunewald: Gas and aerosol hazards of volcanoes in New Zealand

 

MSc

 

Darryn Hitchcock: The 9700 year old Poutu Lapilli and the effects on modern infrastructure of a similar future eruption

 

BSc(Hons)

 

Sam Hampton: Volcanic Geology of the Orton Bradley Formation – Banks Peninsula

 

Tom Wilson: Impacts of volcanic ash on a dairy operation in the eastern Taupo Volcanic Zone

 

Recent and current contracts

 

Contract UOCX 0006: The Vulnerability of Urban Infrastructure to volcanic ash falls (July 2002-June 2004):
This project was the first step towards assessment of the impacts of volcanic ash falls on urban infrastructure. It investigated the physical impacts on volcanic ash on 'lifelines' such as electricity, water and roading networks in collaboration with Dr David Johnston (Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences, Gracefield Research Centre), Dr Ian Nairn (Rotorua), Professor Bruce Houghton (University of Hawaii) and Professor David Elms (David Elms Ltd). Three reports have been published and a paper is in press in an international journal.

 

Subcontract IANX000. Impact of a major rhyolite eruption in New Zealand (July 1998-June 2004):
This study investigated all aspects of the c.1315 AD ‘Kaharoa’ rhyolitic eruption from Tarawera, and evaluated the impacts should a similar eruption occur in the future from the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The subcontract involved detailed geochemistry of the Kaharoa lavas and pyroclastics, and evaluated magmatic processes, including mechanisms of triggering the eruption. 2 papers have been published in an international journal, another in a NZ journal, and 2 reports have also been published. A further paper is in an advanced stage of preparation.

 

Subcontract. GNS… Potential effects of ash from a volcanic eruption on urban and rural infrastructure and lifelines (July 2002-June 2004)
This is a continuation of contract UOCX0006, which will concentrate on critical issues for mitigating the effects of future volcanic eruptions. It will address issues such as evacuation from Auckland in event of a basaltic eruption from the Auckland Volcanic District: effects of ash on roofs, guttering, waste water systems, airports; gas and aerosols and health.

 

Other research programmes

 

White Island: This is an ongoing study of the evolution and magma genesis of eruptives on White Island. It has resulted in a major paper published in April 2000, and a long term involvement in monitoring volcanic activity on White Island with volcanologists from the Wairakei Research Centre (Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences).

 

Calderas: A long term general study of processes and deposits associated with the formation of calderas. A major review paper on the subject is in press within Earth Science Review.

 

Effects of volcanic gas, aerosols and ash on Health: A programme commenced on 1 July 2000 on the effects of explosive volcanic eruptions from Rotorua and White Island on health, environment and infrastructure of North Island, New Zealand, in conjunction with a Dr Michael Durand (post-doctoral fellow funded by University of Canterbury). A new PhD student (Uwe Grunewald) has now commenced research on this topic.

 

Publications 2002-2005

 

Refereed Journals

 

Poirot, T., Cole, J.W., and Elms D. (submitted). Ash Fall Hazard in the Hawkes Bay region, North Island, New Zealand, and the development of a probabilistic ash fall model. NZ Society of Earthquake Engineers Bulletin.

 

Hales, T.C., Cole, J.W. and Keys, J.R. (submitted). A 2600 year eruption history determined from proximal deposits, Crater Lake, Ruapehu. NZ Jour. Geol. Geophys.

 

Cole, J.W, Milner, D.M. and Spinks K.D. in press – 2004. Calderas and caldera structures: A Review. Earth Science Reviews.

 

Gordon, K.D., Cole, J.W. and Johnston, D.M. in press – 2004. Effects of volcanic ash on computers and electronic equipment. Natural Hazards

 

Nairn, I.A., Shane, P.R., Cole, J.W., Leonard, G.S., Self, S., and Pearson, N. 2004. Rhyolite magma processes of the ~AD 1315 Kaharoa eruption episode, Tarawera volcano, New Zealand. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res.131: 265-294.

 

Durand, M., Florokowski, C., George, P., Walmsley, T., Weinstein,,P and Cole J.W. 2004. Elevated trace element output in urine following acute volcanic gas exposure. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res. (short communication) 134: 139-148.

 

Acocella, V., Spinks, K., Cole, J.W., Nicol, A. 2003. Oblique back-arc rifting of Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand. Tectonics 22, Article 1045: 18p.

 

Milner, D.M., Cole, J.W. and Wood, C.P. 2003. Mamaku Ignimbrite: a caldera-forming ignimbrite erupted from a compositionally zoned magma chamber in Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res 122: 243-264.

 

Milner, D.M., Cole, J.W. and Wood, C.P. 2002. Asymmetric multiple-block collapse at Rotorua caldera, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand. Bull. Volcanol. 64: 134-149.

Leonard, G.S., Cole, J.W., Nairn, I.A. and Self, S. 2002. Basalt triggering of the c.1350AD Kaharoa Eruption, Tarawera Volcanic Complex, New Zealand. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res. 115: 461-486.

 

Cole, J.W., Burt, R.M., Gamble, J.A., Carroll, L.D. and Shelley D. 2001. Mixing and Mingling in the evolution of andesite-dacite magmas: evidence from co-magmatic plutonic enclaves, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand. Lithos.59: 25-46.

Nairn, I.A., Self, S., Cole, J.W., Leonard, G.S. and Scutter, C. 2001. Distribution, stratigraphy and history of proximal deposits from the ~1350AD Kahoroa eruption of Tarawera volcano, New Zealand. NZ Jour. Geol. Geophys. 44: 467-484.

Beresford, S.W., Cole, J.W. and Weaver, S.D. 2000. Weak chemical and mineralogical zonation in the Kaingaroa Ignimbrite, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand. NZ Jour Geol. Geophys. 43(4): 639-650.

Beresford, S.W. and Cole, J.W. 2000. Kaingaroa Ignimbrite, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand: evidence for asymmetric caldera subsidence of the Reporoa Caldera. N.Z. Jour. Geol. Geophys. 43(3): 109-115.

Cole, J.W., Thordarson, T. and Burt, R.M. 2000. Magma Origin and Evolution of White Island (Whakaari) Volcano, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. J. Petrol. 41(6) 867-895.

Beresford, S.W. and Cole, J.W. 2000. Kawerau Ignimbrite: a 0.24 Ma ignimbrite erupted from the Okataina caldera complex, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand. N.Z. Jour. Geol. Geophys. 43(1): 109-115.

Hildyard, S.C., Cole, J.W. and Weaver, S.D. 2000. Tikorangi Ignimbite: a 0.89 Ma mixed andesite-rhyolite ignimbrite, Matahana Basin, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand. NZ Jour. Geol. Geophys. 43 (1): 95-107.

 

Reports

 

Cole, J.W. and Blumenthal, E. in press. Evacuate! What an order given because of a pending volcanic eruption could mean to residents of the Bay of Plenty. Tephra.

Johnston, D., Leonard, G., Nairn, I., Cole, J. & Paton, D. in press. Impacts of a Whakatane-type rhyolite eruption on modern day New Zealand, Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences science report 2004/21.

Cole, J.W. 2002. Tour guide: North Island Volcanic Provinces. 18-24 August, 2002. Gondwana 11 Conference, Christchurch, New Zealand: 86p.

 

Cole, J.W., Leonard, G.S., Nairn, I.A., Shelley, D., Shane, P.R. and Self, S. 2001. Magma Chambers beneath Tarawera volcano at the time of the AD 1305 Kaharoa Rhyolite Episode, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand. Penrose Conference 6-12 June, 2001: 45-48.

 

Johnston, D., Nairn, I.A., Cole, J.W., Paton, D. and Martin, R. 2000. Distal impacts of the ~1300AD Kaharoa eruption on modern day New Zealand. Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Report No 2000/27: 30p.

 

Volcanological Postgraduate Students and Theses

 

Ph.D

 

Gravley, D. "Evolution and eruptive products of the Whangapoa Basin, Taupo Volcanic Zone" (degree awarded 2004).

 

Grunewald, U. “Gas and aerosol hazards of volcanoes in New Zealand” (current enrolment).

 

Leonard, G.S. “The Structure and evolution of the Maroa Volcanic Complex (degree awarded 2004).

 

Milner, D.M. “The structure and eruptive history of Rotorua Caldera, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand" (degree awarded 2001).

 

Peters, V. “Volcanic risk management and evacuation planning: a case study for the Auckland volcanic field” (current enrolment).

 

Richnow, J. "Structure and post-eruption chemical changes of rhyolites" (degree awarded 2000).

 

Spinks, K.D. "Structure and evolution of Okataina Volcanic Centre, Taupo Volcanic Zone" (current enrolment).

 

Tappenden, V. "The Volcanic response to tectonic evolution of New Zealand margin of Gondwana during the mid-late Cretaceous" (degree awarded 2003).

 

Tungol, N.M. “Engineering geology of the Pasig-Potrero lahar fan, eastern Mount Pinatubo, Luzon Island, Philippines” (degree awarded 2002).

 

M.Sc.

 

Barnard, S. “An assessment of basaltic volcanic hazards in Taupo volcanic zone based on the 1886 Tarawera eruption” (degree awarded 2003).

 

Blumenthal, E. “The determination of optimal evacuation routes and related evacuation planning issues from volcanic hazards in the event of a 1305AD Kaharoa-type eruption in Okataina Volcanic Centre, New Zealand, for surrounding cities” (degree awarded 2003).

 

Avery, M. "Whakapapa Lava Emplacement; transition from 'aa' to 'block' flow" (degree awarded 2000).

 

Darragh, M.B. “Eruption processes and impacts of the Okareka (18ka) and Rerewhakaaitu (15ka) eruptions; Tarawera Volcanic Complex, New Zealand” (degree awarded 2004).

 

Delos Reyes, P.J. “An evaluation of lahar hazards on two adjacent but hydrologically distinct watersheds, Mayon volcano, Philippines” (degree awarded 2003).

 

Gravley, D. "The Ohakuri Formation, Taupo Volcanic Zone" (transferred to Ph.D).

 

Gordon, K. "The effects of volcanic ash on the urban infrastructure” (degree awarded 2002).

 

Hitchcock, D. The 9700 year old Poutu Lapilli and the effects on modern infrastructure of a similar future eruption (current enrolment).

 

Mirabueno, H. "The 1814 eruption of Mayor Volcano, Philippines" (degree awarded 2002).

 

Poirot, T. "An assessment of volcanic ashfall management in the North Island of New Zealand” (degree awarded 2002).

 

Stammers, S. "Recovery of urban areas after volcanic eruption" (degree awarded 2000).

 

B.Sc (Hons)

 

Beggs, K. “Volcanology and geochemistry of the Okareka and Rerewhakaaitu eruptions” (degree awarded in 2002).

 

Bodger, K. “Eruptive history of the Atiamuri pyroclastics” (current enrolment).

 

Hales, T.C. "The summit area of Ruapehu volcano" (2000).

 

Heiss, Joe “The role of high-Al basalts in TVZ volcanism” (current enrolment).

 

Irvine, P. “Lahars of Lyttelton volcano” (degree awarded 2003).

 

Jackson, R. “Petrography of the Rautawiri Breccia” (current enrolment).

 

Newman, J. “The July 2000 Strombolian eruption of White Island, and the implications for tourism activities on the island” (degree awarded 2003).