Research paper
Geophysical evidence for temporal and structural relationships within the monogenetic basalt volcanoes of the Auckland volcanic field, northern New Zealand

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Abstract

Detailed gravity, aeromagnetic and geochemical studies have been used to investigate late Pleistocene monogenetic basaltic volcanoes in the Auckland volcanic field. The styles of eruption range from purely phreatomagmatic to purely magmatic, with some volcanoes displaying a range of eruptive characteristics. Appropriately scaled three-dimensional geophysical modelling methods have successfully delineated the subsurface structure of these small volcanoes and have been used to interpret the controls on their eruptive styles. This modelling has shown that a variety of structural styles exists in close proximity in the Auckland volcanoes, ranging from shallow effusive volcanoes to deeper-seated explosive volcanoes. The main control on the style developed appears to be the nature of the near-surface geology at the site of the eruption. Evidence for contemporaneous eruptions from multiple centres within this monogenetic field has been provided by both the geophysical and geochemical data. This information bears on the behaviour of monogenetic fields in general and in particular has important implications for modelling the past behaviour of the Auckland field and for the assessment of future activity which will form the basis of any contingency planning for volcanic hazard in the region.

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    Present address: Department of Geology, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Perth, W.A. 6009, Australia.

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