THERMAL ACTIVITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22353, 26 February 1936, Page 14

THERMAL ACTIVITY

DISPLAYS _AT_ ROTORUA POHUTU'S BIG SHOTB HEIGHT OF 80FT. REACHED [by tfxegbaph—own correspondent] ROTORUA, Tuesday Not for many years has Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa been so active as during the past week, when it has given a number of displays each day ranging from a height of 40ft. to 80ft. Increased activity is generally apparent throughout the reserve. Pohutu played three times to-day, one of the two shots in. the afternoon, which reached 80ft. or more, being the most spectacular of recent years. The display lasted 50 minutes, and later in the afternoon was followed by another period of activity of shorter duration. The Cauldron, alongside the Pohutu Geysor, was also unusually active, the water boiling to such an extent that it was splashing well over the rock formation. The Kercru Geyser, to the right of Pohutu, which is usually nothing more than a steam vent, has also shown signs of activity of late and to-day threw a plume of water to a height of about 20ft., while an almost continuous display is being given by Waikorohihi Geyser. Although it has been authoritatively stated by scientists that there is no connection between levels and thermal activity in the Whakarewarewa area it has been noticeable that since the level 'of the lake rose last winter and has been since maintained at a level little below that of many years ago, the activity in the region has been increased, Pohutu having played at periods of about two weeks for the past eight months. With the present heavy rain the level of the lake should rise even higher, and there is every justification for believing that the activity of Pohutu will continue for some time.