Auckland at risk of simultaneous volcanic eruptions
Tuesday January 23, 2007


Puketutu is one of the volcanoes that may have erupted at the same time as four others. Photo / Martin Sykes

At least five volcanoes in Auckland were born together and the city remains at risk of further simultaneous eruptions, according to a study released today.

The Auckland University results showed that the volcanoes of Puketutu, Crater Hill, Wiri, Mt Richmond and Taylor Hill all erupted within 50 to 100 years of each other, possibly at the same time.

The research further suggested that Auckland and some other major cities could be at risk of future simultaneous multiple eruptions, Dr John Cassidy, of the University's School of Geography, Geology and Environmental Science department, said.

"This is the first evidence that multiple volcanic eruptions in such fields may have occurred at the same time and could have tremendous consequences for people living in these highly active areas."

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