Tuesday, July 31, 2012

[Geology2] Earthquakes continue to rattle Mt Tongariro



Earthquakes continue to rattle Mt Tongariro

1/07/2012


Scientists have recorded an increasing number of small earthquakes 2km to 7km deep below Mt Tongariro.

The earthquakes are too small to be felt, but volcanic gas emissions has increased on the mountain, volcanologist Brad Scott said.

Dr Scott said there had been three to 10 small earthquakes on the moutnain each day last weekend after increased activity was detected two weeks ago.

"As part of our routine monitoring, we have recorded a sequence of volcanic earthquakes at Mt Tongariro since July 13," he said.

The activity peaked on July 20, and has risen to three to 10 earthquakes a day.

Scientists had recorded a cluster of earthquakes in a zone between Mt Tongariro and the east side of Lake Rotoaira, Dr Scott said.

"These are very small earthquakes and unlikely to be felt."

There was always a mix of volcanic and hydrothermal gases and fluids rising to the surface at Tongariro but the recent samples contain a marked increase in the volcanic gas component, he said.

"These results confirm the volcanic unrest indicated by the seismic data."

Ash eruptions were recorded on Mt Tongariro from 1855 to 1897 and there was unconfirmed activity in 1926-27.

The volcano alert level remained at Level 1 and aviation colour code was yellow with no danger to aircraft.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/7383587/Earthquakes-continue-to-rattle-Mt-Tongariro

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