
Johnston, D.M.; Leonard, G.S.; Nairn, I.; Cole, J.; Paton, D. 2004 Impacts of a Whakatane-type rhyolite eruption on modern day New Zealand . Lower Hutt: Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences. Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences science report 2004/21 29 p.
Abstract: This report describes the nature and impacts of a pre-historic but relatively recent rhyolite eruption from the perspective that a similar event is happening today. New Zealand has two of the most active rhyolite volcanic systems in the world (Taupo and Okataina). The Whakatane eruption episode from the Okataina Volcanic Centre occurred around 5500 years ago from the Haroharo Volcanic Complex. With no eyewitness observations of the episode, interpretations of the complex event sequence are based on detailed studies of the deposits. The distribution of Whakatane eruptives has now been mapped in detail, and eruption and depositional mechanisms have been worked out for the close-to-vent deposits. This report summarises the eruption sequence and discusses likely impacts such an eruption would have on present day New Zealand. (auth/DG)