There are heaps of active and inactive volcanoes across New Zealand. Here are three common types that can be found in the country.
The landscape of New Zealand is gorgeous from long beaches to big mountains. Interspersed here and there are some big volcanoes. The center of volcanic activity in New Zealand has moved around over time from the Northland to Auckland, to its current location. Presently, the Taupo region of the north island is active volcanic area.
What Is A Volcano?
A volcano is a landform (such as a mountain or crater) that is formed by the eruption of molten rock at the surface of the earth. Under the earth when the hot rock is liquid like it’s called magma. Then when it reaches the surface it’s called lava.
This melting of rocks into magma and then their solidification again is all part of the rock cycle.
Why Are There Volcanoes In New Zealand?
New Zealand lies in the ring of fire – a ring of active volcanoes that forms a circle around the Pacific Ocean. This starts from New Zealand, heads up towards Japan, Asia, across to Alaska, and down the west coast of North and South America.
This hotbed of volcanic activity is due to the collision of plates under the surface of the earth. See this old post that explains plate tectonics in New Zealand.
What Are The Three Main Types Of Volcanoes?
Caldera
These are often the most violent and destructive types of volcanoes.
This happens when a large cavern fills with magma below the surface of the ground. Pressure builds up and eventually it erupts.
A huge open hole or caldera is left behind where the magma used to be. This caldera often fills with water afterwards. Examples in NZ are Lake Taupoand Lake Rotorua.
Stratovolcano
These types of volcanoes form near a subduction zone. They have a steep central dome with a gently sloping ring plain around it. Mt. Taranaki & Mt. Ruapehu are great examples.
Volcanic Field
This is a large area that has many small volcanoes, each of which only erupt once. These single eruptions can happen over thousands of years. The two main examples of a volcanic field in NZ are the Auckland field and Northland field.