title: Off-axis magmatism along a subaerial back-arc rift: Observations from the Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand.
abstract: Continental rifting and seafloor spreading play a fundamental role in the generation of new crust. However, the distribution of magma and its relationship with tectonics and volcanism remain poorly understood, particularly in back-arc settings. We show evidence for a large, long-lived, off-axis magmatic intrusion located on the margin of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand. Geodetic data acquired since the 1950s show evidence for uplift outside of the region of active extension, consistent with the inflation of a magmatic body at a depth of ~9.5 km. Satellite radar interferometry and Global Positioning System data suggest that there was an increase in the inflation rate from 2003 to 2011, which correlates with intense earthquake activity in the region. Our results suggest that the continued growth of a large magmatic body may represent the birth of a new magma chamber on the margins of a back-arc rift system.
authors.affiliation: GNS Science, 1 Fairway Drive, Avalon, Lower Hutt 5010, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Ian J
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Hamling
authors.affiliation: GNS Science, 1 Fairway Drive, Avalon, Lower Hutt 5010, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Sigrun
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hreinsdóttir
authors.affiliation: GNS Science, 1 Fairway Drive, Avalon, Lower Hutt 5010, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-2125-0506
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bannister
authors.affiliation: GNS Science, 1 Fairway Drive, Avalon, Lower Hutt 5010, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Neville
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Palmer
mesh_terms: D005843:Geography; D055593:Geological Phenomena; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009520:New Zealand; D018707:Volcanic Eruptions
keywords: InSAR; New Zealand; Off-axis magmatism; Stress transfer; Taupo Volcanic Zone; Volcanology