Post by Imbannedeverywhere on Aug 21, 2015 21:14:33 GMT
Cool crater lake temperatures on Mt Ruapehu has resulted in visitors are being warned to keep away from the summit area.
The change in temperature could mean the volcano isn't putting out much heat, or there's a small blockage.
Activities on most of the mountain can carry on as usual.
GNS Science and the Department of Conservation (DOC) were keeping an extra-close eye on the volcano to note any changes, DOC volcanology advisor Dr Harry Keys said.
Cooler lake temperatures could mean two things, he said - the most likely being "the magma's not putting out as much heat."
"Sometimes, around about 10 per cent of the time, the magma's putting out heat but it's not getting to the lake because there's a blockage."
That could produce a "little eruption to clear out the vent" which would affect just the summit area, he said.
Keep your sense of humour, my friend; if you don't have a sense of humour it just isn't funny anymore
