The city of Rotorua is a popular destination for tourists to
New Zealand because of its geothermal wonders.
Evidence of volcanic activity can be found everywhere, in
the city as well as at the more ‘active’ wilderness areas that a person can
visit, and is frequently accompanied by noise.
Water bubbles, mud plops, gasses and steam hisses – geothermal activity is
not quiet!
Steam will be more in evidence than anything else, and fumaroles
can appear unexpectedly in the most unlikely places (this one is in a public
park).
The smell of sulphur can sometimes be overpowering with its
rotten-eggs stench, and has been known to make some people feel decidedly ill. Deposits, small and large, can often be seen close to where there are fissures in the earth's crust.
There are places where the hot geothermal waters have been
harnessed and health benefits can be gained from bathing/sitting in the
mineral-rich waters.
But many pools of hot water can be dangerous, often sitting
at boiling point and resulting in death for those unfortunate enough to fall
into them.
Hot water streams can also be found, and this can result in
amazing sights like this hot water waterfall.
Mud also reaches high temperatures, creating puddles of
mud that ‘plop’ and gurgle as the gases rise to the surface and escape into the
atmosphere.
Many different colours can also be found in geothermal areas. The yellow of sulphur
is well-known, but other minerals (such as silver, arsenic, antimony etc.) can
all cause different colours when they come into contact with oxygen.
Geysers are scattered here and there, although many are not regular
in their performance. One of the most
easily seen is Pohutu Geyser, which erupts several times a day and can be
classed as the largest geyser in New Zealand. (This photo was taken in 1972)
Rotorua and the surrounding district are not the only place in New Zealand where these wonders can be seen and experienced, but would be the most well-known.
For those who grow up around geothermal areas these things
can be seen as everyday and normal, but for those who don’t they are a
fascinating insight into the geology of our world.
Enjoy your day,
