Story: Historic volcanic activity

Measuring volcanic eruptions (1st of 2)

Measuring volcanic eruptions

The Taupō eruption, about 232 CE, affected a large part of the central North Island. The land within about 80 kilometres of Lake Taupō was completely devastated by a ground-hugging pyroclastic flow near the end of the eruption. The thickest ash fall was deeper than 500 centimetres. A much wider area got at least a thin dusting of ash.

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Source: GNS Science

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How to cite this page:

Eileen McSaveney, Carol Stewart and Graham Leonard, 'Historic volcanic activity - Eruptions in early history', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/map/6825/measuring-volcanic-eruptions (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Eileen McSaveney, Carol Stewart and Graham Leonard, published 12 Jun 2006