Wai-O-Tapu
Geysers
National Park #2, New Zealand
Photo,
Pictures of, Images, Picture
(December 14, 2007) |
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THE SHAKY ISLES: Maori legend tells how Maui used the jawbone of his
ancestor baited with blood from his nose as a fish hook to pull up the North
Island. New Zealand did literally rise from the sea millions of years
ago when it was part of the landmass of the southern hemisphere known as
Gondwana.
The earth's crust is made up of a patchwork of interlocking
slabs (plates) which move independently like enormous ice flows.
Today New Zealand straddles the boundary between the
Indian-Australian and Pacific Plates Tremendous natural energy is
released which results in many spectacular geological occurrences including
mountain building, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. In the last 150
years, earthquakes in Wellington (1855), Murchinson (1929), and Napier
(1931) have resulted in marked land changes confirming New Zealand as "The
Shaky Isles"
THE TAUPO VOLCANIC ZONE
The zone is generally recognized as one of the most active
volcanic areas in the world. About 250 kilometers in length and 30
kilometers - 80 kilometers wide, the zone follows a north easterly
direction. It is anchored to the south by volcanoes Tongariro,
Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu.
At the northern end is White Island, an active volcano sitting
48 kilometers off the Bay of Plenty Coast. Within the zone are 17 major
hydrothermal fields, 2 0f which contribute about 5% of New Zealand's total power
supply.
Wai-O-Tapu is right on the edge of one of four volcanic
calderas within the zone.
With the discovery of the sinter terraces forming from the
Champagne pool and the destruction of the pink and white terraces by the
eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886. Wai-O-Tapu became the new wonderland.
Lady Knox Geyser.
Lady Knox Geyser before adding carbonic soap.
Lady Knox Geyser after adding carbonic soap.
View of Champagne pool from lookout near car park.
Bike parking at the park.
Champagne pool.
Edge of the Primrose sinter.
Alum cliffs.
Oyster pool.
Sulfur Cave.
Pied stint, not all the water is acidic.
Lake Ngakoro.
Sulfur mounds.
Bridal veil falls.
Primrose terrace.
Our bikes at the mud pools.
Viscous mud bubbling in a mud pool.
A blob of mud ejected into the air
Mud droplets in the air.
This movement is caused by gas bubbles.
Can you find the launched piece of mud.
Mud fountain.
Mud ripple.
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