Ruapehu - IGNS - Science Alert Bulletin V95/35

Monday 9 October 1995
1600 hours NZDT (UT +13)
Ruapehu Volcanic Activity

Situation Summary

As of 1600 hours the situation is as follows:

The weather conditions today have prevented any observations of the volcano.

Tremor levels have remained at levels similar to Sunday (see BULLETIN
V95/34). Betweeen 0200 and 0730h this morning a sequence of 16 small
volcanic earthquakes was recorded, but we have no visual conformations of
any eruptive activity associated with these earthquakes.

The NZ Met Service has advised that wind direction will change from the
present westlies to southerlies and southeasterlies.  Should further
explosive eruptions occur under southerly wind conditions, ash fall is
likely to occur on areas to north of Ruapehu, including the Whakapapa
areas, which haven't experience any ash fall to date.

Conclusions and Alert Status

No substantial eruptions have occurred at Ruapehu during the last 48 hours
(ie sine the 1503h event on Saturday October 7).  The intensity of
volcanic tremor indicates that the present eruption episode is
continuing.  The Alert Level remains at 3.

BJ Scott for
Dr CJN Wilson, Programme Leader, Volcanology