Characterisation of faults as earthquake sources from geomorphic data in the Tongariro Volcanic Complex, New Zealand

A new assessment of seismic hazards in the Tongariro Volcanic Complex, New Zealand, reveals higher slip-rates (up to 2.6 ± 0.8 mm/yr) and larger potential earthquake magnitudes (M W 7.2 ± 0.1) than previously estimated for the region's faults. The study analyzed geomorphic surface offsets and fault trace geometry along four parallel normal faults—National Park, Waihi, Poutu, and Upper Waikato Stream—which collectively form the Tongariro Graben. While data suggest these faults could rupture as a whole or in shorter segments, the findings significantly elevate the seismic risk for the area, with implications for earthquake preparedness and hazard mitigation strategies.

Gómez‐Vasconcelos, M. G., Villamor, P., Procter, J., Palmer, A., Cronin, S., Wallace, C., Townsend, D., & Leonard, G. (2018). Characterisation of faults as earthquake sources from geomorphic data in the Tongariro Volcanic Complex, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics, 62(1), 131–142. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1080/00288306.2018.1548495