Volcanic activities 2013-14
Art Jolly (GNS Science) and Shane Cronin (Massey University) were guest editors on a special issue of Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research focussed on the Te Maari eruption of 2012. The manuscripts cover physical volcanology, hazard, atmospheric and volcanic impacts, geochemistry, geodetics, seismic precursors and geophysical reconstruction of eruption processes. It is remarkable that two very small eruptions (on a global scale) have produced such a large collection of high quality papers, with most of the work involving multi-organisation collaborations.
We continue to make advances in the Auckland Volcanic Field (AVF) in conjunction with EQC and the Auckland Council co-funded DEVORA* project. Collaboration with overseas parties has resulted in a first ever lava flow emplacement model for the AVF, allowing researchers to develop the first realistic scenarios of eruption timing and lava speeds for emergency management planning. In collaboration with Garry McDonald (Market Economics), we are also investigating the economic aspects of volcanism in Auckland.
New Zealand was strongly represented at the IAVCEI* Scientific Assembly in Kagoshima, Japan. Held every four years, this is the major global meeting for volcano science. NZ researchers were well represented as session chairs, or gave poster and oral presentations.
Stakeholder engagement continues to be strong with presentations given at the Central Plateau Volcanic Advisory Group. Meetings with White Island stakeholders were held in October and November where volcanic risk assessment work was presented, as well as a summary of White Island activity over the last 2 years. This is part of a long-term engagement with key stakeholders for the island to inform them of hazards and risk.
Two international experts on the impacts of volcanic ash on public health, Peter Baxter (University of Cambridge) and Claire Horwell (Durham University) visited New Zealand in November. Together with New Zealand scientists they gave presentations on volcanic health hazards at the National Health Protection Forum and at the Ministry of Health. Our visitors were complimentary about the high quality linkages between science and health practice.
*DEVORA, Determining Volcanic Risk in Auckland; IAVCEI, International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior
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Last updated 7 Nov 2014