The Waiora Formation Geothermal Aquifer, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand

Abstract

The definitionand usage of "Waiora Formation",an important geothermal aquifer in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, is reviewed. arise in defining the upper and lower stratigraphic boundaries of the formation at Wairakei and In particular, the distinction between Waiora Formation and Huka Falls Formation (an becomes blurred away from the type locality, while ignimbrites the oldest member of the formation at Wairakei may be correlated with a completely separate unit at Ohaaki, the Rautawiri Breccia. Much information ishidden in hydrothermally altered Waiora Formation strata thatmay hold the key to elucidating geological structure across field boundaries at Wairakei-Tauhara, and Ohaaki,particularly if widespread units such as the Kaingaroa Ignimbrite canbe identified within the fields.