THERMAL ACTIVITY

Evening Star, Issue 22273, 26 February 1936, Page 10

THERMAL ACTIVITY

INCREASE WITH HIGHER LAKE LEVELS POKUTU THROWS -EIGHTY FEET [Pee United Press Association. 1 ROTORUA, February 26. The exceptionally heavy rainfall during the past two months, which are usually the driest of the year, has been responsible for maintaining the lakes in the Rotorua district at a considerably higher level than has been the case during summer months for a number of years past. The increase amounts to nearly 2ft in the case of Lake Rotorua, and corresponding increases, with slight variations, nave been noted in the other district lakes. Simultaneously with this rise in the lake levels, the thermal areas in the district have become much more active, supporting the opinion held by old residents of the district that there is a connection between the level of the lake and the degree of thermal activity. This is particularly noticeable at Whakarewarewa, where the Pohutu geyser is at present more active than it has been for a number of years past. The big geyser has now been playing daily for a week, and yesterday sent up a shot which is estimated to have been over 80ft in height, and one of the most spectacular recorded for a considerable period. Not only is Pohutu particularly active, but all the other geysers in the Wfaaka area are following suit. Kereru, 'which has been quiescent for some time, has again become active, and yesterday sent up a spout of boiling water to a height of 20ft. Waikorohihi, a near neighbour of Pohutu, has been playing continuously for a number of days.