New formations of late pleistocene tephras from the okataina volcanic centre, new zealand

Abstract

Eight tephras erupted from the Okataina Volcanic Centre, of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand, between 20 500 and c. 42 000 years B.P. are defined as formations and described with reference to their sequence and field appearance. Isopach maps are presented to illustrate their distribution and thickness. These tephra formations replace the previously defined Mangaoni Lapilli Formation. The new tephra formations from youngest to oldest are: Omataroa, Awakeri, Mangaone, Hauparu, Te Mahoe, Maketu, Tahuna, and Ngamotu. They overlie the widespread, previously described Rotoiti Breccia Formation.The total volume of tephra erupted from the Okataina Volcanic Centre during this time interval is estimated at 73.8 km3. © 1975 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.