Tauhara Volcano, Taupo Zone

Abstract

The extinct multiple volcano, Tauhara, of late Pleistocene age, is north-east of Lake Taupo, and consists of five coalescing dacite cumulo-domes. Another dome, Maunganamu N, 3 miles south of Tauhara, is included in the study. The morphology and structure of these domes are described. The internal fan-shaped structure of the flow banding as seen in cross section suggests that each dome was formed from lava continuously extruded from separate vents. The superficial ash deposits of the Taupo ash sequence, which mantle the volcano, are described briefly.