Conceptual Models of Heat Transport in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand

Abstract

Six published conceptual models of the TVZ (Taupo Volcanic Zone) are reviewed, and comparedagainst fourteenknown or inferred physical propertiesof the TVZ. A model of three layers, each with constant density, is assumed to eventually develop above a depth of 25 A constant rate of eruption of material was assumed, which eventually implies a constant rate of spreading,and a constant rate of volumetric creation in all three layers. Heat flow calculations are performed, by assuming conductive heat transport below 8 km and above Layer 3, and intrusiveheat sources below Layer 1and above 8 km. Some examplesare providedwhich match the present total heat outputfromtheTVZof about4200 but these either have spreading rates greater than the low values of about 8 4 being reported from GPS measurements, or else consider extension rates in the TVZ to have varied over time.