GEYSER ACTIVITY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22816, 27 February 1936, Page 14

GEYSER ACTIVITY

POHUTU SPOUTS TO 80 FEET RISE IN LEVEL OF LAKE (Per United Pbess Association) ROTORUA, February 26. The exceptionally heavy rainfall dur-„ ing 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 two feet in the case of Lake Rotorna, and corresponding increases, with slight variations, have 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 con : neetion between the level Of the lake and the degree of thermal activity. This is particularly noticeable at Whakarowarewa, 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 80 feet 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 Whaka area are following suit. Kcreru. which has been quiescent for some time, has again become active, and yesterday sent up a spout of boiling water to a height of 20 feet. Waikorohihi, a near neighbour of Pohutu, has been playing continuously for a number of days.