Global Volcanism Program

Most Recent Weekly Report: 24 May-30 May 2023 Cite this Report

GeoNet reported that earthquake activity and ground deformation at Taupo declined during January-April and returned to background levels in May. The Volcanic Alert Level was lowered to 0 (the lowest level on a six-level scale) on 30 May and the Aviation Color Code remained at Green (the lowest level on a four-color scale). Unrest at the volcano started in early May 2022; during the year there were just over 1,800 earthquakes located beneath the volcano along with ground deformation both on the lake floor and around the lake.

Source: GeoNet

Weekly Reports - Index

2023: May
2022: September | November

24 May-30 May 2023 Cite this Report

Source: GeoNet

30 November-6 December 2022 Cite this Report

GeoNet reported that a strong M 5.6 [later revised to 5.7] earthquake occurred beneath Taupo on 30 November. The event was widely felt and caused a small tsunami in the lake. Lake water inundated the shore at several locations, mostly along the N shore, traveling inland as far as 40 m at Wharewaka Point (along the NE shore). Both the earthquake and the tsunami caused minor local damage. The instrument at Horomatangi recorded 250 mm of horizontal ground movement towards the SE, the largest movement ever recorded at that location. Other onshore stations recorded smaller movements of around 10-20 mm. More than 600 aftershocks were located by 7 December, though the magnitude and rate of the events had begun to decline. The largest aftershock was an M 4.5 and two other M 4 events were also recorded.

Earthquakes larger than M 5 beneath Lake Taupo had occurred only four times since 1952, including a M 5 event that occurred on 4 September 2019 as part of a previous period of volcanic unrest. GeoNet noted that there had been 17 previous episodes of unrest at Taupo over the previous 150 years, some more notable than the current episode, and many others before written records. None resulted in an eruption, with the last eruption occurring around 232 CE. The Volcanic Alert Level remained at 1 (the second lowest level on a six-level scale) and the Aviation Color Code remained at Green (the lowest level on a four-color scale).

Source: GeoNet

21 September-27 September 2022 Cite this Report

On 28 September GeoNet reported that seismic unrest and deformation at Taupo continued during the previous week. About 750 earthquakes have been located at depths of 4-13 km beneath the lake since unrest began in May. During the past week the locations were concentrated beneath the E part of the lake and occurred at a slightly lower rate than the week before. An area of deformation at Horomatangi Reef had been rising at a rate of 60 mm (plus or minus 20 mm) per year since May. The data suggested that the seismicity and deformation was caused by the movement of magma and hydrothermal fluids. GeoNet noted that unrest at calderas was common and may continue for months or years without resulting in an eruption; more significant unrest would be indicated by additional indicators of activity and substantial impacts on the local area. The Volcanic Alert Level remained at 1 (the second lowest level on a six-level scale) reflecting “minor volcanic unrest” characterized by ongoing seismicity and inflation.

Source: GeoNet

14 September-20 September 2022 Cite this Report

On 20 September GeoNet raised the Volcanic Alert Level for Taupo to 1 (the second lowest level on a six-level scale) reflecting “minor volcanic unrest” characterized by ongoing seismicity and inflation. Seismicity beneath Lake Taupo began increasing in May. Earthquakes occurred at a rate of about 30 per week but increased to about 40 per week in early September. A M 4.2 earthquake, the largest so far this year, was recorded on 10 September and felt by over 1,000 people. By 20 September over 700 earthquakes had been located with depths less than 30 km, though most ranged 4-13 km. The earthquake locations were in two clusters: a larger cluster beneath the central and E part of the lake, and a smaller cluster to the W centered just offshore from Karangahape. An area of deformation at Horomatangi Reef had been rising at a rate of 60 mm (plus or minus 20 mm) per year since May. The area of uplift corresponded to the main seismic swarm. The data suggested that the seismicity and deformation was caused by the movement of magma and hydrothermal fluids.

GeoNet noted that unrest at calderas was common and may continue for months or years without resulting in an eruption; more significant unrest would be indicated by additional indicators of activity and substantial impacts on the local area. There have been 17 previous episodes of unrest at Taupo over the previous 150 years, some more notable than the current episode, and many others before written records. None resulted in an eruption, with the last eruption occurring around 232 CE. The Volcanic Alert Level change was informed by ongoing analysis of monitoring data, research, and deepening knowledge of past unrest.

Source: GeoNet

The Global Volcanism Program has no Bulletin Reports available for Taupo.

This compilation of synonyms and subsidiary features may not be comprehensive. Features are organized into four major categories: Cones, Craters, Domes, and Thermal Features. Synonyms of features appear indented below the primary name. In some cases additional feature type, elevation, or location details are provided.

Cones

Feature Name

Feature Type

Elevation

Latitude

Longitude

Horomatangi Reef

Vent

38° 51' 0" S

175° 56' 0" E

Domes

Feature Name

Feature Type

Elevation

Latitude

Longitude

Ben Lomond

Dome

Kuharua

Dome

1129 m

38° 56' 0" S

175° 42' 0" E

Manganamu

Dome

492 m

38° 59' 0" S

175° 47' 0" E

Marotiri

Dome

733 m

38° 37' 0" S

175° 55' 0" E

Maunganamu

Dome

630 m

38° 44' 0" S

176° 8' 0" E

Motuapu

Dome

496 m

38° 56' 0" S

175° 52' 0" E

Motukaiko

Dome

442 m

38° 52' 0" S

175° 57' 0" E

Motuma

Dome

647 m

38° 38' 0" S

175° 51' 0" E

Ouaha

Dome

630 m

38° 51' 0" S

176° 2' 0" E

Pukekaikiore

Dome

748 m

38° 54' 0" S

175° 44' 0" E

Rangitukua

Dome

726 m

38° 52' 0" S

175° 46' 0" E

Tahunatara

Dome

651 m

38° 43' 0" S

175° 58' 0" E

Tauhara

Dome

1087 m

38° 42' 0" S

176° 10' 0" E

Tuhingamata

Dome

661 m

38° 43' 0" S

176° 0' 0" E

Thermal

Feature Name

Feature Type

Elevation

Latitude

Longitude

Hipaua

Thermal

38° 58' 0" S

175° 44' 0" E

Tauhara-Taupo

Thermal

460 m

38° 41' 31" S

176° 6' 0" E

Te Hoata

Thermal

Te Pupu

Thermal

Tokaanu

Thermal

Waihi-Tokaanu

Thermal

915 m

38° 58' 0" S

175° 46' 0" E

Basic Data

Volcano Number

Last Known Eruption

Elevation

Latitude
Longitude

241070

260 CE

760 m / 2493 ft

38.82°S
176°E

Volcano Types

Caldera
Lava dome(s)
Fissure vent(s)

Rock Types

Major
Rhyolite

Minor
Dacite
Basalt / Picro-Basalt

Tectonic Setting

Subduction zone
Continental crust (> 25 km)

Population

Within 5 km
Within 10 km
Within 30 km
Within 100 km

21,456
21,456
26,674
161,966

Geological Summary

Taupo, the most active rhyolitic volcano of the Taupo volcanic zone, is a large, roughly 35-km-wide caldera with poorly defined margins. It is a type example of an "inverse volcano" that slopes inward towards the most recent vent location. The caldera, now filled by Lake Taupo, largely formed as a result of the voluminous eruption of the Oruanui Tephra about 22,600 years before present (BP). This was the largest known eruption at Taupo, producing about 1,170 km³ of tephra. This eruption was preceded during the late Pleistocene by the eruption of a large number of rhyolitic lava domes north of Lake Taupo. Large explosive eruptions have occurred frequently during the Holocene from many vents within Lake Taupo and near its margins. The most recent major eruption took place about 1800 years BP from at least three vents along a NE-SW-trending fissure centered on the Horomotangi Reefs. This extremely violent eruption was New Zealand's largest during the Holocene and produced the thin but widespread phreatoplinian Taupo Ignimbrite, which covered 20,000 km² of North Island.

References

The following references have all been used during the compilation of data for this volcano, it is not a comprehensive bibliography.

Cole J W, Brown S J A, Burt R M, Beresford S W, Wilson C J N, 1998. Lithic types in ignimbrites as a guide to the evolution of a caldera complex, Taupo volcanic centre, New Zealand. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res., 80: 217-237. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0377-0273(97)00045-0

de Ronde C E J, Stoffers P, Garbe-Schonberg D, Christenson B W, Jones B, Manconi R, Browne P R L, Hissmann K, Botz R, Davy B W, Schmitt M, Battershill C N, 2002. Discovery of active hydrothermal venting in Lake Taupo, New Zealand. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res., 115: 257-275.

Froggatt P C, Lowe D J, 1990. A review of late Quaternary silicic and some other tephra formations from New Zealand: their stratigraphy, nomenclature, distribution, volume, and age. New Zeal J Geol Geophys, 33: 89-109.

Houghton B F, Carey R C, Cashman K V, Wilson C J N, Hobden B J, Hammer J E, 2010. Diverse patterns of ascent, degassing, and eruption of rhyolite magma during the 1.8 ka Taupo eruption, New Zealand: Evidence from clast vesicularity. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res., 195: 31-47.

Houghton B F, Wilson C J N, 1986. Explosive rhyolite volcanism: the case studies of Mayor Island and Taupo volcanoes (Tour Guide A1). New Zeal Geol Surv Rec, 12: 33-100.

Kissling W M, Weir G J, 2005. The spatial distribution of the geothermal fields in the Taupo volcanic zone, New Zealand. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res., 145: 136-150.

Lowe D J, Shane P A R, Allowayc B V, Newnham R M, 2008. Fingerprints and age models for widespread New Zealand tephra marker beds erupted since 30,000 years ago: a framework for NZ-INTIMATE. Quat Sci Rev.

McClelland E, Wilson C J N, Bardot L, 2004. Paleotemperature determinations for the 1.8-ka Taupo ignimbrite, New Zealand, and implications for the emplacement history of a high-velocity pyroclastic flow. Bull Volcanol, 66: 492-513.

Nairn I A, Cole J W, 1975. New Zealand. Catalog of Active Volcanoes of the World and Solfatara Fields, Rome: IAVCEI, 22: 1-156.

Shane P, Hoverd J, 2002. Distal record of multi-sourced tephra in Onepoto Basin, Auckland, New Zealand: implications for volcanic chronology, frequency and hazards. Bull Volcanol, 64: 441-454.

Smith R T, Houghton B F, 1995. Vent migration and changing eruptive style during the 1800a Taupo eruption: new evidence from the Hatepe and Rotongaio phreatoplinian ashes. Bull Volcanol, 57: 432-439.

Smith V C, Shane P, Nairn I A, 2005. Trends in rhyolite geochemistry, mineralogy, and magma storage during the last 50 kyr at Okataina and Taupo volcanic centres, Taupo volcanic zone, New Zealand. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res., 148: 372-406. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2005.05.005

Spinks K D, Acocella V, Cole J W, Bassett K N, 2005. Structural control of volcanism and caldera development in the transtensional Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res., 144: 7-22.

Spinks K D, Cole J W, Leonard G S, 2004. Caldera volcanism in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Geol Soc New Zeal, New Zeal Geophys Soc, 26th New Zeal Geotherm Workshop, 6th-9th Dec 2004, Great Lake Centre, Taupo, Field Trip Guides, 7: 110-135.

Stevenson R J, Dingwell D B, Bagdassarov N S, Manley C R, 2001. Measurement and implication of "effective" viscosity for rhyolite flow emplacement. Bull Volcanol, 63: 227-237.

Sutton A N, Blake S , Wilson C J N, 1995. An outline geochemistry of rhyolite eruptives from Taupo volcanic centre, New Zealand. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res., 68: 153-175.

Talbot J P, Self S, Wilson C J N, 1994. Dilute gravity current and rain-flushed ash deposits in the 1.8 km Hatepe Plinian deposit, Taupo, New Zealand. Bull Volcanol, 56: 538-551.

Vucetich C G, Pullar W A, 1973. Holocene tephra formations erupted in the Taupo Area, and interbedded tephras from other volcanic sources. New Zeal J Geol Geophys, 16: 745-780.

Wilson C J N, 1993. Stratigraphy, chronology, styles and dynamics of late Quaternary eruptions from Taupo volcano, New Zealand. Phil Trans Roy Soc London, Ser A, 343: 205-306.

Wilson C J N, 2001. The 26.5 ka Oruanui erupption, New Zealand: an introduction and overview. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res., 112: 133-174.

Wilson C J N, Blake S, Charlier B L A, Sutton A N, 2006. The 26.5 ka Oruanui eruption, Taupo volcano, New Zealand: development, characteristics and evacuation of a large rhyolitic magma body. J Petr, 47: 35-69.

Wilson C J N, Gravley D M, Leonard G S, Rowland J V, 2009. Volcanism in the central Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand: tempo, styles and controls. In: Thordarson T, Self S, Larsen G, Rowland S K, Hoskuldsson A (eds), Studies in Volcanology: The Legacy of George Walker. Geol Soc London, p 225-247.

Wilson C J N, Houghton B F, Lloyd E F, 1986. Volcanic history and evolution of Maroa-Taupo area, central North Island. Roy Soc New Zeal Bull, 23: 194-223.

Wilson C J N, Houghton B F, McWilliams M O, Lanphere M A, Weaver S D, Briggs R M, 1995. Volcanic and structural evolution of Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand: a review. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res., 68: 1-28.

Wilson C J N, Rogan A M, Smith I E M, Northey D J, Nairn I A, Houghton B F, 1984. Caldera volcanoes of the Taupo volcanic zone, New Zealand. J. Geophys. Res, 89: 8463-8484.

Wilson C J N, Walker G P L, 1985. The Taupo eruption, New Zealand. I. General aspects. Phil Trans Roy Soc London, Ser A, 314: 199-228.

Eruptive History

There is data available for 25 confirmed Holocene eruptive periods.

0260 (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 0

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

East Lake Taupo (Horomatangi Reefs)

0260 (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at East Lake Taupo (Horomatangi Reefs)

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Lava dome
0260 (?)	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)
1846 May 7	- - - -	Fatalities
1910 Mar 20	- - - -	Fatalities

0233 Mar 15 ± 13 years ± 20 days Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 6

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

Horomatangi Reefs area, Unit Y

0233 Mar 15 ± 13 years ± 20 days - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 8 Events for Episode 1 at Horomatangi Reefs area, Unit Y

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion	research needed
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Caldera	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lapilli
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice
- - - -	- - - -	Lahar or Mudflow
0230 Mar 15 ± 16 years ± 20 days	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

0200 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

4 km NW of Te Kohaiakahu Point, Unit X

0200 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 7 Events for Episode 1 at 4 km NW of Te Kohaiakahu Point, Unit X

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow	Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow	Obsidian. Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lapilli
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice
0200 BCE (?)	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

0800 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 2

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

Ouaha Hills, Unit W

0800 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 6 Events for Episode 1 at Ouaha Hills, Unit W

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lapilli
- - - -	- - - -	Blocks
0800 BCE (?)	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1010 BCE ± 200 years Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

4 km NW of Te Kohaiakahu Point, Unit V

1010 BCE ± 200 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at 4 km NW of Te Kohaiakahu Point, Unit V

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow	Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow	Obsidian. Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Tephra
1010 BCE ± 200 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1050 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

5 km NE of Motutaiko Island, Unit U

1050 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at 5 km NE of Motutaiko Island, Unit U

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow	Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lapilli
1050 BCE (?)	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1250 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

4 km W of Te Kohaiakahu Point, Unit T

1250 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at 4 km W of Te Kohaiakahu Point, Unit T

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow	Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Tephra
1250 BCE (?)	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

1460 BCE ± 40 years Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 6

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

Horomatangi Reefs?, Unit S

1460 BCE ± 40 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 6 Events for Episode 1 at Horomatangi Reefs?, Unit S

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lapilli
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice
1460 BCE ± 40 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

2500 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

3 km SW of Motutaiko Island, Unit R

2500 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 3 Events for Episode 1 at 3 km SW of Motutaiko Island, Unit R

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Tephra
2500 BCE (?)	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

2600 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

3 km NW of Te Kohaiakahu Point, Unit Q

2600 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at 3 km NW of Te Kohaiakahu Point, Unit Q

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow	Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Tephra
2600 BCE (?)	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

2800 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

Unit P

2800 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at Unit P

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow	Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Tephra
2800 BCE (?)	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

2850 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

2 km S of Te Tuhi Point, Unit O

2850 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at 2 km S of Te Tuhi Point, Unit O

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow	Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lapilli
2850 BCE (?)	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

2900 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

5 km NW of Te Kohaiakahu Point, Unit N

2900 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at 5 km NW of Te Kohaiakahu Point, Unit N

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow	Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lapilli
2900 BCE (?)	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

3070 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

5 km NW of Te Kohaiakahu Point, Unit M

3070 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at 5 km NW of Te Kohaiakahu Point, Unit M

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow	Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
3070 BCE (?)	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

3120 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

2 km W of Te Kohaiakahu Point, Unit L

3120 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at 2 km W of Te Kohaiakahu Point, Unit L

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow	Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow	Obsidian. Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
3120 BCE (?)	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

3170 BCE ± 200 years Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

4 km NW of Te Kohaiakahu Point, Unit K

3170 BCE ± 200 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at 4 km NW of Te Kohaiakahu Point, Unit K

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow	Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lapilli
3170 BCE ± 200 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

3420 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

Unit J

3420 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at Unit J

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow	Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
3420 BCE (?)	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

4000 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

Unit I

4000 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at Unit I

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow	Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lapilli
4000 BCE (?)	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

4100 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

4 km WNW of Kohaiakahu Point, Unit H

4100 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 6 Events for Episode 1 at 4 km WNW of Kohaiakahu Point, Unit H

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow	Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lapilli
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice
4100 BCE (?)	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

4700 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

East-central Lake Taupo, Unit G

4700 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at East-central Lake Taupo, Unit G

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow	Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice
4700 BCE (?)	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

5100 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 3

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

SE Lake Taupo (Motutaiko Island) (Unit F)

5100 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 6 Events for Episode 1 at SE Lake Taupo (Motutaiko Island) (Unit F)

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava dome
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lapilli
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice
5100 BCE (?)	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

8130 BCE ± 200 years Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 5

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

Central, E-central L. Taupo (Opepe), Unit E

8130 BCE ± 200 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 5 Events for Episode 1 at Central, E-central L. Taupo (Opepe), Unit E

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Pumice
8130 BCE ± 200 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

9210 BCE (?) Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 4

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

Acacia Bay lava dome, Unit D

9210 BCE (?) - Unknown

Evidence from Correlation: Tephrochronology

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at Acacia Bay lava dome, Unit D

Start Date	End Date	Event Type
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava dome
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
9210 BCE (?)	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

9240 BCE ± 75 years Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 5

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

4 km W of Te Kohaiakahu Point, Unit C (Poronui)

9240 BCE ± 75 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 4 Events for Episode 1 at 4 km W of Te Kohaiakahu Point, Unit C (Poronui)

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow	Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
9240 BCE ± 75 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

9460 BCE ± 200 years Confirmed Eruption Max VEI: 5

Episode 1 | Eruption Episode

East-central Lake Taupo (Karapiti), Unit B

9460 BCE ± 200 years - Unknown

Evidence from Isotopic: 14C (calibrated)

List of 7 Events for Episode 1 at East-central Lake Taupo (Karapiti), Unit B

Start Date	End Date	Event Type	Event Remarks
- - - -	- - - -	Explosion
- - - -	- - - -	Pyroclastic flow
- - - -	- - - -	Lava flow	Uncertain
- - - -	- - - -	Ash
- - - -	- - - -	Lapilli
- - - -	- - - -	Blocks
9460 BCE ± 200 years	- - - -	VEI (Explosivity Index)

Deformation History

There is data available for 6 deformation periods. Expand each entry for additional details.

Deformation during 1999 - 2010 [Subsidence; Observed by InSAR]

Start Date: 1999

Stop Date: 2010

Direction: Subsidence

Method: InSAR

Magnitude: Unknown

Spatial Extent: Unknown

Latitude: Unknown

Longitude: Unknown

Remarks: Long-term subsidence is associated with the Ohaaki geothermal field.

Time series of line-of-sight displacement at Ohaaki geothermal field from ALOS PALSAR ascending path 325 starting from 20070113 (date in YYYYMMDD format). Coordinates of TL and BR corners are (?38.48N, 176.25E) and (?38.58N, 176.40E). Red star shows region of fastest subsidence.

From: Samsonov et al. 2011.

Reference List: Hole et al. 2007; Samsonov et al. 2011.

Full References:

Hole, J. K., C. J. Bromley, N. F. Stevens, and G. Wadge, 2007. Subsidence in the geothermal fields of the Taupo volcanic zone, New Zealand from 1996 to 2005 measured by InSAR. J. Volcanol. Geotherm. Res., 166: 125-146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2007.07.013

Samsonov S, Beavan J, Gonzalez P J, Tiampo K, Fernandez J, 2011. Ground deformation in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand, observed by ALOS PALSAR interferometry. Geophysical Journal International, 187(1), 147-160.

Deformation during 1996 - 2010 [Subsidence; Observed by InSAR]

Start Date: 1996

Stop Date: 2010

Direction: Subsidence

Method: InSAR

Magnitude: Unknown

Spatial Extent: Unknown

Latitude: Unknown

Longitude: Unknown

Remarks: Long-term subsidence is associated with the Wairakei-Tauhara geothermal field.

Time series of line-of-sight displacement at Tauhara-Wairakei geothermal system from ALOS PALSAR ascending path 325 starting from 20070113 (date in YYYYMMDD format). Coordinates of TL and BR corners are (?38.58N, 176.00E) and (?38.72N, 176.17E). Red star shows region of fastest subsidence.

From: Samsonov et al. 2011.

Reference List: Hole et al. 2007; Samsonov et al. 2011.

Full References:

Deformation during 1996 - 1999 [Uplift; Observed by Leveling]

Start Date: 1996

Stop Date: 1999

Direction: Uplift

Method: Leveling

Magnitude: Unknown

Spatial Extent: Unknown

Latitude: Unknown

Longitude: Unknown

Reference List: Otway et al. 2002.

Full References:

Otway, P. M., Blick, G. H., & Scott, B. J., 2002. Vertical deformation at Lake Taupo, New Zealand, from lake levelling surveys, 1979-99. New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics, 45(1), 121-132.

Deformation during 1984 - 1996 [Subsidence; Observed by Leveling]

Start Date: 1984

Stop Date: 1996

Direction: Subsidence

Method: Leveling

Magnitude: Unknown

Spatial Extent: Unknown

Latitude: Unknown

Longitude: Unknown

Reference List: Otway et al. 2002.

Full References:

Otway, P. M., Blick, G. H., & Scott, B. J., 2002. Vertical deformation at Lake Taupo, New Zealand, from lake levelling surveys, 1979-99. New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics, 45(1), 121-132.

Deformation during 1983 - 1984 [Uplift; Observed by Leveling]

Start Date: 1983

Stop Date: 1984

Direction: Uplift

Method: Leveling

Magnitude: Unknown

Spatial Extent: Unknown

Latitude: Unknown

Longitude: Unknown

Remarks: Deformation at Lake Taupo is observed from 1983 to 1984 and is related to an earthquake swarm that began on 17 June 1983.

Reference List: Otway et al. 2002.

Full References:

Otway, P. M., Blick, G. H., & Scott, B. J., 2002. Vertical deformation at Lake Taupo, New Zealand, from lake levelling surveys, 1979-99. New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics, 45(1), 121-132.

Deformation during 1979 - 1982 [Variable (uplift / subsidence); Observed by Leveling]

Start Date: 1979

Stop Date: 1982

Direction: Variable (uplift / subsidence)

Method: Leveling

Magnitude: Unknown

Spatial Extent: Unknown

Latitude: Unknown

Longitude: Unknown

Reference List: Otway et al. 2002.

Full References:

Otway, P. M., Blick, G. H., & Scott, B. J., 2002. Vertical deformation at Lake Taupo, New Zealand, from lake levelling surveys, 1979-99. New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics, 45(1), 121-132.

Emission History

There is no Emissions History data available for Taupo.

Photo Gallery

An aerial view shows the E margin of Lake Taupo with Taupo City on its shore. The 35-km-wide caldera is not topographically prominent but has been the source of powerful rhyolitic eruptions from the late Pleistocene throughout the Holocene. The 35,000-year-old Tauhara lava dome forms the peak in the background.

Photo by Jim Healy (New Zealand Geological Survey).

Volcanologists Colin Wilson and Peter Ballance examine a roadcut that dissects deposits of major eruptions from the Taupo volcanic center. The bottom visible unit is an exposure of an unwelded pyroclastic flow deposit from the Oruanui eruption, which formed Taupo's initial caldera about 22,600 years ago. Light-colored pumice fall deposits from other major eruptions are between it and the deposits of the 1,800-year-old Taupo eruption (upper right), which were responsible for Taupo's second caldera.

Photo by Bruce Houghton (Wairakei Research Center).

This view looking SW across Lake Taupo, the southernmost major caldera of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, shows several major peaks of Tongariro and Ruapehu. The broad forested peak below the center horizon is the Pleistocene Pihanga volcano. The steep-sided cone on the horizon to its right is Ngāuruhoe, the youngest cone of the Tongariro complex. The broad massif to its right is Tongariro. The snow-capped massif on the left-center horizon is Ruapehu.

Photo by Tom Simkin, 1986 (Smithsonian Institution).

Lake Taupo fills a roughly 35-km-wide caldera that is the site of the most prolific rhyolitic volcano of the Taupo volcanic zone. The caldera was formed during two major explosive eruptions, the Oruanui eruption, roughly 22,600 years ago, and the Taupo eruption, about 1,800 years ago. The latter was one of the world's largest Holocene eruptions. Additional Plinian eruptions during the Holocene have produced widespread airfall pumice deposits.

Photo by Richard Waitt, 1986 (U.S. Geological Survey).

This thick outcrop exposes deposits of the 1,800-year-old Taupo eruption, one of the world's largest during the past 10,000 years. The Taupo eruption produced phreatomagmatic surge deposits, Plinian tephra deposits, and the overlying Taupo ignimbrite, seen at the upper half of this photo above the thin, light-colored layers. The eruption occurred from a vent at Horomatangi Reefs, now submerged beneath Lake Taupo.

Photo by Richard Waitt, 1986 (U.S. Geological Survey).

GVP Map Holdings

The maps shown below have been scanned from the GVP map archives and include the volcano on this page. Clicking on the small images will load the full 300 dpi map. Very small-scale maps (such as world maps) are not included. The maps database originated over 30 years ago, but was only recently updated and connected to our main database. We welcome users to tell us if they see incorrect information or other problems with the maps; please use the Contact GVP link at the bottom of the page to send us email.

Title: Bay of Plenty-Southern Havre Trough Physiography
Publisher: Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
Country: New Zealand
Year: 1990
Series: Misc
Map Type: Bathymetric
Scale: 1:400,000

Map of Bay of Plenty-Southern Havre Trough Physiography

Title: Bay of Plenty
Publisher: Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
Country: New Zealand
Year: 1989
Series: Coastal
Map Type: Bathymetric
Scale: 1:200,000

Title: New Zealand Geol
Publisher: NZGS, DSIR (Dept Scientific & Industrial Research)
Country: New Zealand
Year: 1987
Map Type: Geology
Scale: 1:2,000,000

Title: Central N Island, Touring Map
Publisher: Department of Lands and Survey New Zealand
Country: New Zealand
Year: 1986
Series: NZMS
Map Type: Geographic
Scale: 1:250,000

Title: New Zealand Topo Map
Publisher: Department of Lands and Survey New Zealand
Country: New Zealand
Year: 1983
Series: NZMS
Map Type: Topographic
Scale: 1:500,000

Title: Late Quaternary Tectonic Map of New Zealand
Publisher: Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
Country: New Zealand
Year: 1977
Series: Misc Map Series
Map Type: Geology (Tectonic)
Scale: 1:2,000,000

Map of Late Quaternary Tectonic Map of New Zealand

Title: N Island, Geol Map of NZ
Publisher: NZGS, DSIR (Dept Scientific & Industrial Research)
Country: New Zealand
Year: 1975
Map Type: Geology
Scale: 1:1,000,000

Title: N Island, Quaternary Geol
Publisher: NZGS
Country: New Zealand
Year: 1973
Series: Misc
Map Type: Geology
Scale: 1:1,000,000

Title: Quaternary Geology-North Island
Publisher: Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
Country: New Zealand
Year: 1973
Series: Misc Map Series
Map Type: Geology
Scale: 1:1,000,000

Title: New Zealand
Publisher: US Central Intelligence Agency
Country: New Zealand
Year: 1971
Map Type: Geographic
Scale: 1:7,500

Title: Rotorua
Publisher: Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
Country: New Zealand
Year: 1964
Series: NZMS 1
Map Type: Geology
Scale: 1:250,000

Smithsonian Sample Collections Database

The following 28 samples associated with this volcano can be found in the Smithsonian's NMNH Department of Mineral Sciences collections, and may be availble for research (contact the Rock and Ore Collections Manager). Catalog number links will open a window with more information.

Catalog Number	Sample Description	Lava Source	Collection Date
NMNH 116210-10	Pumice	--	--
NMNH 116210-11	Pumice	--	--
NMNH 116210-12	Ignimbrite	--	--
NMNH 116210-23	Ignimbrite	--	--
NMNH 116210-24	Ignimbrite	--	--
NMNH 116210-25	Ignimbrite	--	--
NMNH 116210-28	Welded Ignimbrite	--	--
NMNH 116210-29	Welded Ignimbrite	--	--
NMNH 116210-30	Ignimbrite	--	--
NMNH 116210-32	Ignimbrite	--	--
NMNH 116210-33	Ignimbrite	--	--
NMNH 116210-34	Basalt	--	--
NMNH 116210-35	Rhyolite	--	--
NMNH 116210-37	Ignimbrite	LAKE TAUPO	--
NMNH 116210-38	Ignimbrite	LAKE TAUPO	--
NMNH 116210-4	Ignimbrite	--	--
NMNH 116210-5	Ignimbrite	--	--
NMNH 116210-6	Airfall Pumice	--	--
NMNH 116210-7	Pumice	--	--
NMNH 116210-8	Ignimbrite	--	--
NMNH 116210-9	Volcanic Ash	--	--
NMNH 116566-12	Volcanic Rock	TAUHARA	--
NMNH 116691-5	Pyroclastic Rock	--	1 Feb 1986
NMNH 116691-9	Pyroclastic Rock	--	--
NMNH 117454-55	Pumice	--	--
NMNH 117454-56	Obsidian	--	--
NMNH 117454-57	Obsidian	Taupo breccia	--
NMNH 117551-15	Obsidian	Tauhara 'dacite' flow; Tauhara	--

External Sites

WOVOdat
   Single Volcano View
   Temporal Evolution of Unrest
   Side by Side Volcanoes

WOVOdat is a database of volcanic unrest; instrumentally and visually recorded changes in seismicity, ground deformation, gas emission, and other parameters from their normal baselines. It is sponsored by the World Organization of Volcano Observatories (WOVO) and presently hosted at the Earth Observatory of Singapore.

GVMID Data on Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure The Global Volcano Monitoring Infrastructure Database GVMID, is aimed at documenting and improving capabilities of volcano monitoring from the ground and space. GVMID should provide a snapshot and baseline view of the techniques and instrumentation that are in place at various volcanoes, which can be use by volcano observatories as reference to setup new monitoring system or improving networks at a specific volcano. These data will allow identification of what monitoring gaps exist, which can be then targeted by remote sensing infrastructure and future instrument deployments.

Volcanic Hazard Maps

The IAVCEI Commission on Volcanic Hazards and Risk has a Volcanic Hazard Maps database designed to serve as a resource for hazard mappers (or other interested parties) to explore how common issues in hazard map development have been addressed at different volcanoes, in different countries, for different hazards, and for different intended audiences. In addition to the comprehensive, searchable Volcanic Hazard Maps Database, this website contains information about diversity of volcanic hazard maps, illustrated using examples from the database. This site is for educational purposes related to volcanic hazard maps. Hazard maps found on this website should not be used for emergency purposes. For the most recent, official hazard map for a particular volcano, please seek out the proper institutional authorities on the matter.

MIROVA

Middle InfraRed Observation of Volcanic Activity (MIROVA) is a near real time volcanic hot-spot detection system based on the analysis of MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data. In particular, MIROVA uses the Middle InfraRed Radiation (MIR), measured over target volcanoes, in order to detect, locate and measure the heat radiation sourced from volcanic activity.

MODVOLC Thermal Alerts

Using infrared satellite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, scientists at the Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, University of Hawai'i, developed an automated system called MODVOLC to map thermal hot-spots in near real time. For each MODIS image, the algorithm automatically scans each 1 km pixel within it to check for high-temperature hot-spots. When one is found the date, time, location, and intensity are recorded. MODIS looks at every square km of the Earth every 48 hours, once during the day and once during the night, and the presence of two MODIS sensors in space allows at least four hot-spot observations every two days. Each day updated global maps are compiled to display the locations of all hot spots detected in the previous 24 hours. There is a drop-down list with volcano names which allow users to 'zoom-in' and examine the distribution of hot-spots at a variety of spatial scales.

Sentinel Hub Playground

Sentinel Hub EO Browser

The Sentinel Hub Playground provides a quick look at any Sentinel-2 image in any combination of the bands and enhanced with image effects; Landsat 8, DEM and MODIS are also available. Sentinel Hub is an engine for processing of petabytes of satellite data. It is opening the doors for machine learning and helping hundreds of application developers worldwide. It makes Sentinel, Landsat, and other Earth observation imagery easily accessible for browsing, visualization and analysis. Sentinel Hub is operated by Sinergise

IRIS seismic stations/networks

Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Data Services map showing the location of seismic stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 0.18° (about 20 km at mid-latitudes) from the given location of Taupo. Users can customize a variety of filters and options in the left panel. Note that if there are no stations are known the map will default to show the entire world with a "No data matched request" error notice.

UNAVCO GPS/GNSS stations

Geodetic Data Services map from UNAVCO showing the location of GPS/GNSS stations from all available networks (permanent or temporary) within a radius of 20 km from the given location of Taupo. Users can customize the data search based on station or network names, location, and time window. Requires Adobe Flash Player.

DECADE Data

The DECADE portal, still in the developmental stage, serves as an example of the proposed interoperability between The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program, the Mapping Gas Emissions (MaGa) Database, and the EarthChem Geochemical Portal. The Deep Earth Carbon Degassing (DECADE) initiative seeks to use new and established technologies to determine accurate global fluxes of volcanic CO₂ to the atmosphere, but installing CO₂ monitoring networks on 20 of the world's 150 most actively degassing volcanoes. The group uses related laboratory-based studies (direct gas sampling and analysis, melt inclusions) to provide new data for direct degassing of deep earth carbon to the atmosphere.

Large Eruptions of Taupo

Information about large Quaternary eruptions (VEI >= 4) is cataloged in the Large Magnitude Explosive Volcanic Eruptions (LaMEVE) database of the Volcano Global Risk Identification and Analysis Project (VOGRIPA).

EarthChem

EarthChem develops and maintains databases, software, and services that support the preservation, discovery, access and analysis of geochemical data, and facilitate their integration with the broad array of other available earth science parameters. EarthChem is operated by a joint team of disciplinary scientists, data scientists, data managers and information technology developers who are part of the NSF-funded data facility Integrated Earth Data Applications (IEDA). IEDA is a collaborative effort of EarthChem and the Marine Geoscience Data System (MGDS).