New Zealand: Ruapehu activity slowing but still elevated

TVNZ
Mon, 18 Apr 2011 03:21 UTC

© Ray Maxwell

Early winter snow on Mt Ruepehu

Volcanic activity on Mt Ruapehu appears to be slowing according data monitored by GNS Science.

While activity seems to be decreasing overall, and there are no data to suggest an imminent eruption, the volcano remains in a state of elevated unrest above the typical background level.

The Aviation Colour Code remains at Yellow and the Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1.

The temperature of Crater Lake is down to around 33-34C from a peak of 41C in March 2011.

Other monitored indicators such as CO2 gas flux, seismicity, and changes in Crater Lake water chemistry and overflow, show a general decrease in activity.

GNS said that in certain conditions steam may still be seen above the crater and warn that Ruapehu remains an active volcano and future eruptions may occur with little or no warning.

GNS Science volcanologists continue to monitoring this and other volcanoes.