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New Zealand presents a high density of active
volcanoes, and a high frequency of volcanic eruptions.
It includes three regularly active volcanic
cones (White Island, Ruapehu and Ngaruhoe), and the most productive
caldera in the world (Taupo/Okataina). All of them are part
of the Taupo Volcanic Zone.
White
Island
White Island is located in the Bay of
Plenty, 50 km (30 miles) north of Whakatane and Opotiki. It
stands 321m (1053') above sea level and approximately 70 % of
the volcano is underwater, making it the largest volcanic structure
in New Zealand.
White Island is at present the most active volcano
in New Zealand, with a history of continuous hydrothermal activity
punctuated by small to medium eruptions. The period from 1976
to 1993 has been the island's most active in the last several
hundred years
Read more: IGNS
Ruapehu
Ruapehu is the highest of all New Zealand's
volcanoes, and at 2797m (9176') the highest mountain in the
North Island.
It is the largest of the three great Central North
Island volcanoes (the other two being Tongariro and Ngaruhoe).
It is also the most continuously active of the three. The last
eruptive period took place in 1995 and 1996, producing clouds
of ashes and lava bombs, and triggering lahars.
Read more about Ruapehu
eruptions.
Read more about Ruapehu at: IGNS
and Volcano
World
Ngaruhoe
Located between Ruapehu and Tongariro,
Ngaruhoe's activity has subdued in recent years, and the smoke
plume that used to float above its crater is no longer visible.
However its last major eruption goes back
only to 1977, following a regular series of events during the
20th century, and 61 eruptions in all since 1839.
Read more about Ngaruhoe
eruptions.
Read more about Ngaruhoe at: Volcano
World
Geothermal
activity
Beside volcanic eruptions, New Zealand
is home to major geothermal activity. Its numerous geothermal
fields display some of the world's most active and spectacular
features such as geysers, hot springs, and boiling mud pools.
Read
more...
Visit active volcanoes
Click
here to access Natureandco's Nature sightseeing/Active volcanoes
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