Huge mudflow "inevitable" from NZ volcano's lake
Pastor Dale Morgan
*Huge mudflow "inevitable" from NZ volcano's lake*
29 Jan 2007 05:11:10 GMT
Source: Reuters
WELLINGTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) - A crater lake on a New Zealand volcano
used as a backdrop in the "Lord of the Rings" films is on the verge of
collapsing and could send a torrent of muddy water down the mountain in
coming weeks, media reported on Monday.
Melting snow on Mount Ruapehu has filled the lake to within 1.5 metres
(5 feet) of its lip, according to the New Zealand Herald newspaper.
The 2,797-metre (9,177-feet) volcano is the highest mountain in the
North Island and home to two commercial ski fields.
Scientists say a lahar, or mudflow composed of volcanic material and
water, is inevitable as warm summer weather causes the snow to melt and
fill the lake.
"It is still expected the earliest the dam might start collapsing to
create a lahar down the Whangaehu River is February/March," the Herald
quoted a Department of Conservation official as saying.
On Dec. 24, 1953, a lahar rushing down the Whangaehu River destroyed a
railway bridge, causing a packed passenger train to plunge into the
river, killing 151 people on board.
Since then, a barrier of boulders and gravel has been built to divert
any lahar flowing into the river. No major towns would be in its path.
Mount Ruapehu, which last erupted in 1995 and 1996, creating the present
crater dam, is in Tongariro National Park, where Peter Jackson filmed
some scenes for his "Lord of the Rings".