Structure and eruptive history of the Tarawera Volcanic Complex

Abstract

The Tarawera Volcanic Complex comprises 11 rhyolite domes and associated flows and one plug. These extrusions, together with pyroclastic debris, were formed during the Rerewhakaaitu eruption (14,700 ± 400 yr before 1960), the Waiohau eruption (11,250 ± 250 yr before 1960), and the Kaharoa eruption (930 ± 70 yr before 1960). The Tarawera eruption of 10 June 1886 was basaltic, forming the Tarawera Basalt, and terminating in a violently explosive phase which left a linear series of craters cutting three of the rhyolite domes, and providing good internal sections.