Story: Volcanic Plateau region

Evidence of the Taupō eruption

Evidence of the Taupō eruption

The circular ends of these charred logs are evidence of the burning of forest at the time of the Taupō eruption, around 232 CE. They are encased in ignimbrite, the material emitted from the volcano, which was probably at between 400 and 500°C when it was erupted. The cutting tool, which gives a sense of scale, is about 30 centimetres long.

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Photograph by Hiroshi Takesako

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How to cite this page:

Malcolm McKinnon, 'Volcanic Plateau region - Geology and climate', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/15135/evidence-of-the-taupo-eruption (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Malcolm McKinnon, updated 1 May 2015