Oct 15 1995, 10:30 am - Ruapehu Volcano

• Observations have confirmed that the period of tremor recorded last night between 15:50 and 20:30 was one of the most intense intervals of activity during the 1995 eruption to date. Tremor levels were 2 to 3 times that recorded on the evening of 11 October when the largest ash fall to date was recorded. Since 20:30 last night, the level of tremor has reduced, and stayed at low to moderate levels since.

• The accompanying eruptions last night produced voluminous amounts of ash which was blown in a narrow tongue to the south-south-east by strong north-north-west winds. This tongue was centred north of Waiouru. Ash fall was recorded at Dannevirke, Waipukurau, Waipawa and Takapau, but observations have been hampered by bad weather.

• The Institute has field parties collecting samples from the 14 October ash fall for analysis, for comparison with the ash from the last major eruptions on Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

Summary and Alert Status

The present eruption episode is continuing at a reduced level relative to Saturday evening. We advise that the Alert Level remains at 3.

C.J.N. Wilson
Volcanology Programme Manager