Abstract

ABSTRACTAt the southern Taupo Rift, tectonic faults and volcanic edifices have interacted during the last 350 kyr. The NNE-striking Tongariro Volcanic Complex is bounded and displaced by four parallel normal faults: National Park, Waihi, Poutu and Upper Waikato Stream, which collectively define the Tongariro Graben. Offsets of geomorphic surfaces of known age and fault trace geometry were used to characterise the seismic parameters of these faults. Along-strike distribution of fault displacement suggests that these faults could rupture as a whole. However, geomorphic data and geometrical characteristics of surface ruptures suggest that they could also rupture in shorter segments. This study calculates higher slip-rates (∼2.6 ± 0.8 and 2.2 ± 1.9 mm/yr for Waihi and Poutu fault zones, respectively) and greater earthquake magnitudes (up to MW 7.2 ± 0.1 and 6.9 ± 0.1, respectively) than previous studies, suggesting an important seismic hazard for the Tongariro area.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.