Ngauruhoe cool

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 539, 7 June 1994, Page 5

Ngauruhoe cool

Earthwatch is a monthly review of earthquake, volcanic and geothermal activity in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, prepared by staff from the Wairakei Research Centre, Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences. This report covers from early April to early May 1 994. Seismic (earthquake) activity, as recorded by the Bay of Plenty Volcano-Seismic Network was a little higher during this period. Four earthquakes larger than M4 on the Richter Scale were recorded. Fortunately all were deep (100- 150km) and no damage was reported. Many people from East Cape to Napier, and Whakatane to Taupo felt some of these events. White Island was visited and no significant changes we observed. The lake in Wade Crater was a dark grey colour and cairn. The recent high intensity rainfalls have caused a lot of local erosion. A visit to the crater of Ngauruhoe allowed scientists to record the lowgst ever temperatures for the fumaroles on the crater floor. The highest temperature was only 78 degrees celsius. A ground deformation survey revealed no changes. The temperature of Crater Lake, Mt Ruapehu, continues to decline. The AGROS satelite monitoring system shows a decline from 3 1 to 24 degrees celsius during April.