Oct 2 1997, 12:00 pm - Ruapehu Volcano

Significant volcanic tremor recommenced at Mt. Ruapehu shortly after 7 am this morning. This is the first significant volcanic tremor since early August.

The tremor started shortly after 7 am and quickly increased in amplitude to reach a level equivalent to that recorded on July 25 (see RUA-97/07), and continues at this time.

The volcanic tremor being recorded today is similar to that recorded in late July - early August this year, but is weaker than that which preceded the 1996 eruptions. The tremor in July - August was not followed by an eruption but that in 1996 was.

The occurrence of today's volcanic tremor increases the likelihood of further eruptive activity at Ruapehu in the short term, ie. days to weeks.

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

The Alert Level remains at 1.

B.J. Scott (for C.P. Wood)
Volcanology Section Leader