Towards improving volcanic mass flow hazard assessment at New Zealand stratovolcanoes : A thesis presented in fulfillment of the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Earth Science at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract

The most common hazards for communities surrounding mountain?forming stratovolcanoes are mass flows of a range of types. Determining their frequency,characteristics and distribution is a major focus of hazard mapping efforts. Recent improvements in computer power and numerical models have meant that simulation of mass flow scenarios is a new tool available for hazard analysis. Its application to hazard mapping, land use planning and emergency management awaits robust evaluation of the conditions under which simulation tools are effective. This study focuses on this question in attempting to improve mass?flow hazard assessments at the typical stratovolcanoes of Mt Taranaki and Mt Ruapehu in New Zealand