Ohakune volcanic complex
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| Ohakune volcanic complex | |
|---|---|
| Ohakune craters,[1] Rochfort Crater[2] | |
The Ohakune volcanic complex commences at the small quarry in the left foreground and only involves the near forest margin which rises beyond in uplift associated with the more recently active Ohakune Fault. In the far distance is the snow covered active Mount Ruapehu. | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 639 m (2,096 ft)[3] |
| Coordinates | 39°23′54″S 175°24′43″E / 39.39846°S 175.41191°E[3] |
| Geography | |
| Geology | |
| Rock age | 31,500 years[4] |
| Mountain type | Monogenetic volcano |
| Volcanic zone | Just south of Taupō Volcanic Zone |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Mangawhero Forest Walk |
The Ohakune volcanic complex (Ohakune craters, Rochfort Crater) is a small extinct monogenetic volcano south-west of Mount Ruapehu and just north of the town of Ohakune in Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand. It is in the area of the southernmost volcanic activity in the Taupō Rift and located adjacent to the potentially active Ohakune Fault.
The complex is located at the north-western corner of the town of Ohakune at the Tongariro National Park boundary and bisected by the main trunk railway line as it leaves the town to the north-west. Although the Ohakune volcanic complex is also known as the Rochfort Crater,[2] this is the geographical name for the largest of several craters associated with the complex.[3]
South of the main trunk railway line is the main scoria cone that reaches a height of 639 m (2,096 ft) and has been quarried on its south-eastern flank. There are a couple of depressions south of the railway line adjacent to the town.[3] North of the line the volcano is mainly forested and there are three cone and crater structures called the central scoria cone, south scoria cone, and north scoria cone.[5] The geographical Rochfort Crater is the crater of the central scoria cone,[3] which is also associated with west and east ejecta rings.[5]
To the east of the complex is the Mangawhero River and to its north forested land rises rapidly to the plateau like peak of Raetihi on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu whose central edifice is about 20 km (12 mi) away.[3]
