Rotoehu ash and the Rotoiti Breccia Formation, Taupo Volcanic zone, New Zealand

Abstract The widespread shower‐bedded deposits of Rotoehu Ash consist of multiple airfall pyroclastic units (tephras) which underlie, are interbedded within and mantle the less widespread rhyolitic pyroclastic flow deposits of the Rotoiti Breccia Formation (late Pleistocene). No significant time intervals are recorded within the Rotoehu Ash, showing that the thick pyroclastic flow breccia deposits enclosed by the Rotoehu Ash units were also erupted in a short time interval. Recognition of the multiple nature of Rotoehu Ash has proved necessary in correlation of breccia deposits in the Rotorua area.