Volcanoes in the big smoke: a review of hazard and risk in the Auckland Volcanic Field. In: Williams AL, Pinches GM, Chin CY, McMorran TJ, Massey CI, editors. Geologically Active; 5-10 September 2010; Auckland, New Zealand

Abstract

The potentially active Auckland Volcanic Field (AVF) comprises ca. 50 basaltic 'monogenetic' volcanic centres and is coincident with New Zealand's largest city, Auckland. The most recent eruption occurred 550 years ago and was witnessed by early indigenous Maori. Although the volcanoes in Auckland are small and their eruptions have been infrequent, the risk associated with future activity is very high given the high physical and economic vulnerability of Auckland (population 1.3 million; 2006 census). Assessing long term volcanic hazard and associated risk in Auckland is challenging, however a boost in research in this area over the past 10 years has lead to an improved understanding of both the inner workings of the field and also what we might expect in the event of a future eruption.