Tourists warned about rise in activity at NZ volcano
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E-mail Xinhua, January 22, 2013
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Mount Tongariro volcano, in New Zealand's North Island, erupts in Aug. 6, 2012. [File photo/Chinanews.com] |
New Zealand scientists said Tuesday they are concerned about growing "volcanic unrest" at an active volcano off the country's North Island.
Volcanologist Brad Scott, of the government's Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (GNS Science), visited White Island on Monday and found that hydrothermal activity in a small "hot lake" had increased.
The most common activity was "doming-up" of the lake surface by steam and gas, bringing large amounts of sediment to the surface, often with vivid white steam and gas "flashing" from around the base, with stronger events every so often.
This activity had been increasing since late last year and was now semi-continuous, Scott said in a statement from GNS Science.
"The hydrothermal activity is some of the most vigorous I have seen at White Island for many years. This type of activity usually leads to stronger volcanic activity and is a significant concern," said Scott.
The lava dome that was first observed in late November had not changed since the last observations on Jan. 1.
Seismicity continued to show elevated levels of volcanic tremor, which was likely generated by the processes driving the vigorous hydrothermal activity in the lake.
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