Relating magma composition to eruption variability at andesitic volcanoes: A case study from Mount Taranaki, New Zealand

Research Article| September 01, 2011 Relating magma composition to eruption variability at andesitic volcanoes: A case study from Mount Taranaki, New Zealand Michael B. Turner; Michael B. Turner † 1Volcanic Risk Solutions, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand †Present address: Australian Research Council, National Key Centre for Geochemical Evolution and Metallogeny of Continents, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia; michael.turner@mq.edu.au Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Shane J. Cronin; Shane J. Cronin 1Volcanic Risk Solutions, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Mark S. Bebbington; Mark S. Bebbington 1Volcanic Risk Solutions, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand2Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Ian E. M. Smith; Ian E. M. Smith 3School of Environment, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Robert B. Stewart Robert B. Stewart 1Volcanic Risk Solutions, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar GSA Bulletin (2011) 123 (9-10): 2005–2015. https://doi.org/10.1130/B30367.1 Article history received: 07 Jul 2010 rev-recd: 09 Dec 2010 accepted: 03 Jan 2011 first online: 08 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Michael B. Turner, Shane J. Cronin, Mark S. Bebbington, Ian E. M. Smith, Robert B. Stewart; Relating magma composition to eruption variability at andesitic volcanoes: A case study from Mount Taranaki, New Zealand. GSA Bulletin 2011;; 123 (9-10): 2005–2015. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/B30367.1 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 Acquiring accurate eruption records and understanding the volcanic processes behind eruption periodicity are important in the development of realistic hazard assessments and volcanic emergency planning. Here, we use a detailed study of the Holocene (<10,000 yr B.P.) record of Mount Taranaki (New Zealand) to explore the link between magmatic processes and eruption frequency, helping to demystify these outwardly complex andesitic magma systems. Six compositionally distinct magma batches were identified throughout the Holocene record at this volcano, many of which show similar evolutionary paths. The batches erupted on 1500–2000 yr time scales, which were synchronous with variations in eruptive frequency. We suggest that a progressively developing lower-crustal hot zone is the source of these magmatic batches. The largest-volume (>0.5 km3) eruptions appear to be statistically predictable because they tend to occur just prior to a period of repose, and they erupt the most strongly evolved magmas. The fundamental properties of magma-volcano systems identified here offer a paradigm for constraining the time scales and nature of magmatic processes, in addition to providing a foundation for more robust probabilistic time-varying hazard forecasts. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.