article: Sep 26 2007 - Mt Ruapehu eruption images

Images from a flight over the summit of Mt Ruapehu early today show the extent of last night's eruption.

Observations from an early morning flight today showed that the summit area of Mt Ruapehu is covered by ash fall and mud, with most of this being directed to the north, reaching to about 2 km from the Crater Lake. The summit area was also peppered by craters caused by large blocks (over 1 m across) ejected from the bottom of the lake. The images show the extent of the mud and ash fall as well as rock impact craters around the summit. The Science Alert Level remains at 2.

Mt Ruapehu showing a lahar
on the ski field.

Mt Ruapehu showing the summit and a lahar on the Whangaehu glacier.

Mt Ruapehu
Crater Lake.

Mt Ruapehu crater showing rock impact craters.