Eruption Likely Soon

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32392, 3 September 1970, Page 22

Eruption Likely Soon

(N.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Sept. 2.

White Island would probably develop a new ash eruption within six months, the head of the geology department at Victoria University (Professor R. H. Clark) said today.

The work of Victoria University scientists had shown measurable bulging of the

crater floor of the volcano before the 1968 ash eruption, Professor Clark said.

More bulging had been detected in June this year and this might result in further eruptions, probably of the same type. Persons visiting the island should be cautious if approaching the vent area, because the early phases of eruption often included the ejection of large rocks. The possibility of hot ash clouds erupting over the crater floor also could not be discounted. f Professor Clark said he had mentioned the possibility of an early eruption in a paper presented recently at the A.N.Z.A.A.S. conference in Port Moresby, New Guinea. After the conference he visited the vulcanological observatory at Rabaul, New Britain.

“New Guinea and New Britain contain a number of active volcanos of similar type to those in New Zealand,” he said. “One of these. Mount Lamingston in New Guinea, erupted in 1951, completely devastating 60 square miles of country with hot ash, charged gas clouds, taking 3000 lives.” At the present time an excellent warning system was in existence, transmitting seismic and tilt information to the Rabaul observatory. “In New Zealand much needs to be done in this field. The Taupo pumice eruption of the second century A.D., and the Kaharoa eruption of A.D.1000 are only two examples of eruptions which today would be classed as catastrophes. “The D.S.I.R. and Victoria

University have plans for joint programmes, some based on Wairakei. A great amount of instrument installation must be done, however, before we reach a standard comparable with that of New Guinea and New Britain, and have reasonable opportunity of noting and reading the warning signs often present before major volcanic eruptions.”