More activity on Ruapehu, but don't expect it to blow

Wednesday, 11 May 2016

There are more rumblings from Mt Ruapehu, but an eruption is looking unlikely. 

Volcanologists who monitor the mountain have increased the volcanic alert level from one to two on Wednesday morning.

GNS Science volcanologist Brad Scott explained there were several areas which it monitored: volcanic gas, seismic activity and lake temperature.

The volcanic gas output at the crater lake had increased, he said.

There was an increase in both carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide output measured in monitoring visits on Tuesday.

The lake temperature has nearly doubled from 25 degrees to 46 degrees since mid-April.

'It's ticking another box so we put it up another level,' Scott said.

'It's slightly more probably there is an eruption, but it's still not likely.'

However, there are only two levels before an actual eruption.

But those people looking towards the winter ski season need not fear, Scott said.

What is going on below the surface will not have any effect on the snow, and the roads, lodges and ski areas are all located in 'safe' areas, he said.

'We have been doing a lot of work over the past decade, and even if you are up on the mountain skiing at the time of an eruption you should be safe.'