Feb 7 1997, 10:00 am - Ruapehu Volcano

Activity at Ruapehu volcano continues at a low level. For some weeks now steam plumes have been observed over the volcano when conditions have been suitable.

Between 21:10 and 21:30 NZDT February 6 several small steam plumes where observed over the volcano. The largest were estimated to reach 200 - 300 m above the crater. Seismic records were examined at the time and show no volcanic earthquakes were present on the records. This indicates that the events are hydrothermal in origin, that is steam rather than magma was the driving force. Aerial observations this morning by Mountain Air have established a very fine coating of ash is present about the summit crater, extending from Paretetaitonga towards Tahurangi.

This level of activity, if maintained, is insufficient to justify a change in the alert level for the volcano.

The Alert Level remains at 1.

B.J. Scott (for C.J.N. Wilson)
Volcanology Programme Leader