Oct 3 1997, 3:00 pm - Ruapehu Volcano

The volcanic tremor which commenced at Ruapehu yesterday morning continued at a high level until about midnight last night. After that time the level of activity declined to near background levels by early this morning, and have remained there throughout the day.

Observations are now available to confirm a small eruption occurred through the lake at about 4.15 pm yesterday, and seismic data suggest a smaller event at about 6.30 pm. Other observations suggest that crater lake changed colour yesterday from a blue green to dark grey during the day, associated with minor hydrothermal activity in the lake.

The occurrence of yesterday's volcanic tremor and activity in the crater lake confirm an increase in 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.

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