Volcanoes in New Zealand

New Zealand's North Island contains a number of active and potentially active volcanoes. Although the probability of an eruption affecting a large area of the North Island is relatively low in any one year, the probability of an eruption occurring in the future is high.

The Institute cannot determine exactly when the next eruption will occur, but we can adivise you on its likely effects. Our scientific analysis provides the vital information needed for thorough planning and will help minimise the impact of future volcanic eruption. We maintain permanent surveillance at active and potentially active volcanoes - the best way to detect the early signs of increasing seismic and volcanic activity.

We offer a wide range of volcanic hazard services:

• determining the nature, magnitude and frequency of past volcanic eruptions
  
  
• producing hazard maps indicating the vulnerablity of areas to lava flows, lahars, pyroclastic flows, and ash fall
  
  
• developing eruption scenarios for emergency management and for risk analysis
  
  
• analysing the vulnerability of engineering "lifelines" such as roads, water supply and communication lines and advising on strategies to mitigate damage
  
  
• designing systems for volcano surveillance, using techniques in seismology, geodesy, chemistry and remote sensing
  
  
• modelling the distribution of volcanic products
  
  

If you would like more information about our services, or would like to discuss how we can contribute to an upcoming project, please get in touch with our nearest office.