Numerical simulation of basaltic lava flows in the Auckland Volcanic Field, New Zealand—implication for volcanic hazard assessment

Abstract

Monogenetic volcanic fields, such as the Auckland Volcanic Field (AVF), New Zealand, are common on the Earth’s surface and are typically dominated by basaltic lava flows up to 10 s of km long. In monogenetic volcanic fields located in close proximity to human population and infrastructure, lava flows are a significant threat. In this study, lava flow emplacement conditions for some basaltic eruptions of the AVF were reconstructed using the thermo-rheological MAGFLOW model. Eight existing lava flows in the AVF were simulated using MAGFLOW and eruptive volumes measured from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)-derived digital terrain models (DTMs). Fitting the simulations to the dimensions of actual lava flows provides insight into their emplacement mechanisms and conditions, such as effusion rate, and probable eruption durations. By looking at emplacement in different settings, the likely magma ascent rate for studied AVF eruptions is calculated to have been on the order of 0.1 m/s. In the AVF, the typical estimated duration of past lava flows was from a minimum of 2 days for small volume flows, such as Little Rangitoto (0.0015 km3), up to 83 days for large volume flows, such as Three Kings (0.078 km3). The three best-fitting simulations were used to establish eruption scenarios for future volcanic hazard mapping for the AVF. Inferences of eruption duration that will be useful for developing realistic emergency management plans and recovery scenarios for this densely populated volcanic field are also provided.