Physical Volcanology of a Pyroclastic Flow Rotoiti Breccia Formation, New Zealand

Abstract

<p> The Rotoiti Breccia Formation is a pyroclastic flow deposit located at the northern end of the Taupo volcanic zone, North Island New Zealand. It was formed by a fairly low energy subaerial eruption and subsequent flowage, which restricted it to the topographic low between two older ignimbrites.</p> <p> Samples from proximal, medial and distal areas of the flow were examined to determine changes in grain size and particle type distribution as the flow progressed. It was found that on the whole, the flow was very homogenous. However, some initial turbulence at the very beginning of the flow has produced a bimodal grain size distribution presumably due to increased mechanical breakage. A much more prominant crystal population was found in the distal areas of the flow due to rounding of pumice grains and the elutriation of the resultant fines.</p>