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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 200 AD. They are encased in ignimbrite, the material emitted from the volcano, which was probably between 400 and 500°C when it was erupted. The cutting tool, which gives a sense of scale, is about 30 centimetres long.

About this item

Private collection
Photograph by Hiroshi Takesako

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How to cite this page:

Malcolm McKinnon. 'Volcanic Plateau region', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 20-Dec-10
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/volcanic-plateau-region/2/3