Ruapehu Crater Lake heats up

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 569, 17 January 1995, Page 1

Ruapehu Crater Lake heats up

Ruapehu' s Crater Lake was 40°C at the beginning of January, and up to 45°C last week. Trampers taking part in Sunday's Ohakune to Crater Lake Summer Programme hike reported vast amounts of steam coming off the lake, so much so that it was difficult to see where it was. During brief glimpses of parts of the surface, large sulphur swirls were visible. The Bulletin understands, but has not as yet been able to confirm, that a 60-metre-high fumerole was sighted spouting out of the crater at 12.57nmSatnrdav.

Fine weather has meant the top of the mountain has beenj

visible most days, and many trampers have visited th

summit area.

When the lake temperature exceeds 40°C^

small geyser-like eruptions sometimes oc-

cur, reports the Wairakei Research Cen^

tre.

Since Christmas a series of^

Turn to Page 2^

Crater Lake

FROMPAGEl moderate earthquakes, the largest measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale, have skaken the area southwest of Ruapehu and some of these have been felt in the Ohakune area. These earthquakes do not appear to be related to the continuing heating of Crater Lake, but scientists at the Wairakei Research Centre are monitoring any changes that occur. The Taupo Observatory and Wairakei Research Centre will be having an open day on Saturday 2 1 January from 1 0am to 4pm. Visitors can enjoy public lectures, displays and models, and a behind-the-scenes look at scientists at work. Phone 07-377-3861 for more information.