Research Article| April 30, 2018 Volcanic hazard scenarios for multiphase andesitic Plinian eruptions from lithostratigraphy: Insights into pyroclastic density current diversity at Mount Taranaki, New Zealand Rafael Torres-Orozco; Rafael Torres-Orozco † 1Volcanic Risk Solutions, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand †Present address: Manchester X-ray Imaging Facility, School of Materials, The University of Manchester, Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, OX11 0FA, UK; rtofelio@hotmail.com. Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Shane J. Cronin; Shane J. Cronin 1Volcanic Risk Solutions, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand2School of Environment, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92 019, Auckland, New Zealand Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Natalia Pardo; Natalia Pardo 3Department of Geoscience, University of Los Andes, Cr 1 #18A-12, Bogotá, Colombia Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Alan S. Palmer Alan S. Palmer 1Volcanic Risk Solutions, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Rafael Torres-Orozco † 1Volcanic Risk Solutions, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand Shane J. Cronin 1Volcanic Risk Solutions, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand2School of Environment, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92 019, Auckland, New Zealand Natalia Pardo 3Department of Geoscience, University of Los Andes, Cr 1 #18A-12, Bogotá, Colombia Alan S. Palmer 1Volcanic Risk Solutions, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand †Present address: Manchester X-ray Imaging Facility, School of Materials, The University of Manchester, Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, OX11 0FA, UK; rtofelio@hotmail.com. Publisher: Geological Society of America Received: 25 May 2017 Revision Received: 06 Feb 2018 Accepted: 09 Mar 2018 First Online: 01 May 2018 Online Issn: 1943-2674 Print Issn: 0016-7606 © 2018 Geological Society of America GSA Bulletin (2018) 130 (9-10): 1645–1663. https://doi.org/10.1130/B31850.1 Article history Received: 25 May 2017 Revision Received: 06 Feb 2018 Accepted: 09 Mar 2018 First Online: 01 May 2018 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Rafael Torres-Orozco, Shane J. Cronin, Natalia Pardo, Alan S. Palmer; Volcanic hazard scenarios for multiphase andesitic Plinian eruptions from lithostratigraphy: Insights into pyroclastic density current diversity at Mount Taranaki, New Zealand. GSA Bulletin 2018;; 130 (9-10): 1645–1663. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/B31850.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGSA Bulletin Search Advanced Search Abstract Over the past 5000 yr at Mount Taranaki, a Plinian eruption has occurred at least every 300 yr, with the latest in A.D. 1655. Based on detailed lithofacies analysis, three Plinian eruption scenarios are possible during future magmatic unrest at this volcano’s andesitic summit crater (2500 m high), or at the basaltic Fanthams Peak satellite vent (1960 m). These scenarios involve comparable climactic phases of steady to oscillating eruption columns but contrasting pre- and postclimactic phases, represented by the deposits of diverse concentrated to dilute pyroclastic density currents. The most common scenario (I) encompasses sudden decompression of closed conduits via unroofing by dome collapse, generating block-and-ash flows and laterally directed blast-type pyroclastic density currents. Scenario II involves continuous shifting between transient open and clogged conduits by repeated plugging-and-release of chilled magma, producing a range of pyroclastic density current styles. Scenario III is mainly restricted to satellite vents, and it reflects a rapid progression into open conduits and quasi-steady Plinian phases. In the case of Mount Taranaki, in every case, pyroclastic falls would cover the most populated areas, at 20–30 km from the crater, with 10-cm-thick deposits, while pyroclastic density currents could threaten farmlands and urban locations at 15–18 km. These scenarios highlight the major role that pyroclastic density currents play in evaluations of volcanic hazards around Taranaki and other similar andesitic volcanoes. The scenarios can be tailored to different sites around the world by localized lithostratigraphic studies, and they can also be used to plan emergency management if specific magma compositions, eruption sites, or eruptive styles are confirmed at the outset of episodes. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.