Holocene tephra formations erupted in the Taupo area, and interbedded tephras from other volcanic sources

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Abstract
Rhyolite tephra formations with sources within the Taupo Volcanic Centre include the previously described Taupo Pumice (erupted c. 1819 years B.P.) and Waimihia Lapilli erupted 3400 years B.P.; and the newly described Mapara Tephra (2100 years B.P.), Whakaipo Tephra (2700 years B.P.), Hinemaiaia Ash (6200 years B.P.), Opepe Tephra (8800 years B.P.), Poronui Tephra (9700 years B.P.), and Karapiti Lapilli (c. 10 000 years B.P.). Mapara and Whakaipo tephras, with sources close to Taupo Borough, lack distinctive morphologies and are of limited extent. Opepe Tephra, with one source indicated near Taupo Borough, has a distinctive upper bed and is widely distributed. Hinemaiaia Tephra, with its source close to the eastern shore of Lake Taupo, is of limited extent and is infrequently exposed. Poronui Tephra and Karapiti Lapilli, both with sources close to the eastern shore of Lake Taupo, are readily identified by the prominent interbedded Te Rato Lapilli (andesite). Tephra distribution control near source vents is limited, with the exception of Waimihia Formation (volume 15·0 km3) and Mapara Tephra (volume 0·7 km3). Interbedded rhyolite tephras include Whakatane Ash, Rotoma Ash, Waiohau Ash, Rotorua Ash and Rerewhakaaitu Ash originating from Okataina Volcanic Centre, and Puketarata Ash from Maroa Volcanic Centre. Two prominent andesite tephras from Tongariro Volcanic Centre are Te Rato Lapilli and the “speckled andesitic ash”. Tephras identified at the De Brett site, close to Taupo Borough, are correlated at this site with Member beds of the Taupo Sub-group.

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