Abstract
In 1998, changes in a number of indicators (earthquakes and uplift) at two of New Zealand's active volcanic caldera systems (Okataina and Taupo) resulted in increased public, local and central government awareness and some concern about the potential significance of volcanic unrest at a caldera volcano. This paper summarises the episodes of unrest recorded at Taupo caldera since 1895. There have been four significant events (1895, 1922, 1963-64 and 1983) that have included earthquake activity and ground deformation. Caldera unrest is one of the most difficult situations the volcanological and emergency management communities will have to deal with. There is potential for adverse social and economic impacts to escalate unnecessarily, unless the event is managed appropriately. Adverse response to caldera unrest may take the form of the release of inappropriate advice, media speculation, unwarranted emergency declarations and premature cessation of economic activity and community services. A non-volcanic-crisis time provides the best opportunity to develop an understanding of the caldera unrest phenomena, and the best time to establish educational programmes, funding systems for enhanced emergency response and volcano surveillance and to develop co-ordinated contingency plans.
Highlights
INTRODUCTIONChanges in a number of monitored indicators (earthquakes and uplift) at two of New Zealand's active volcano caldera systems in 1998, Taupo and Okataina, resulted in increased public, local and central government awareness, coupled with some public and official concern and uncertainty about the implications and potential significance of volcanic unrest at a caldera volcano
Changes in a number of monitored indicators at two of New Zealand's active volcano caldera systems in 1998, Taupo and Okataina, resulted in increased public, local and central government awareness, coupled with some public and official concern and uncertainty about the implications and potential significance of volcanic unrest at a caldera volcano.Caldera unrest is marked by physical changes at a caldera volcano which are often large enough to create public awareness of them
This paper summarises the less well-publicised episodes of unrest recorded at Taupo caldera since 1895
Summary
Changes in a number of monitored indicators (earthquakes and uplift) at two of New Zealand's active volcano caldera systems in 1998, Taupo and Okataina, resulted in increased public, local and central government awareness, coupled with some public and official concern and uncertainty about the implications and potential significance of volcanic unrest at a caldera volcano. The changes may comprise earthquake activity, ground deformation, increased heat flow (thermal heating), changes in gas and fumarolic discharges and hydrological perturbations They may not lead to an eruptive crisis, but periods of mild unrest themselves can present a range of hazards and have social implications, and require a careful and managed response. Historical analyses of caldera activity, and the integration of community and management perspectives within this analysis, provides a solid foundation for understanding the full implications of this kind of activity in New Zealand It provides a basis for reviewing the multi-jurisdictional and multi-disciplinary management context; illustrates the nature, intensity, diversity and duration of consequences to be managed; and raises issues that affect all facets of New Zealand society (e.g., urban and rural economic disruption and loss, lifeline disruption, public health and business losses). This paper reviews the historic periods of unrest at the Taupo volcano and concludes with a discussion on the social implication of future unrest at Taupo and other calderas world-wide
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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
