Plumes of 'smoke' seen rising from Mt Tongariro today are not
signs of increased volcanic activity, GNS scientists say.
Tourists and locals were stunned to see the white clouds
billowing from the volcano, which erupted in November.
Black Sticks goalkeeper Bianca Russell witnessed the "ash
cloud".
"It just grew and grew and grew in front of us and the locals
say it's a big burp but it was pretty impressive watching it
all," she told Newstalk ZB.
GNS duty vulcanologist Steven Sherburn said it was not smoke
or ash rising from Mt Tongariro, but steam.
"It's nice, fine weather basically," he said.
Given the dank weather over the festive period, the
mountain's peak has not been seen much.
And now the skies are clear, the steam is clearly visible, he
said.
"People have been seeing it and interpreting it as being
enhanced activity, which I don't think it is," Mr Sherburn
said.
"It doesn't reflect a change in the volcano, just a change in
the weather.
"People should sit and enjoy it and go click with their
camera."
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