Mud volcano erupts at New Zealand’s Waimata Valley, North Island

Mud volcano erupts at New Zealand’s Waimata Valley, North Island

A mud volcano started erupting at New Zealand's Waimata Valley, North Island, on December 15, 2018, covering about 1.2 ha (2.9 acres) of land in white mud and saline water. The initial eruption lasted 5 hours. According to Gisborne District Council, mud…

Earthquake swarm under Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand

Earthquake swarm under Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand

An episode of volcanic earthquakes is occurring beneath Mount Ruapehu since March 15, 2018. This is a common observation during a heating phase of the crater lake (Te Wai ā-moe), GeoNet scientist Brad Scott reports. Crater lake's current temperature of 39…

Huge magma build-up discovered beneath the town of Matata, New Zealand

Huge magma build-up discovered beneath the town of Matata, New Zealand

A huge magma chamber may slowly be growing beneath Matata town, southeast of Auckland in New Zealand, according to a new study performed by GNS Science. The discovery of a growing volcano may help to explain a recently observed swarm of earthquakes. Good news is,…