Pink Terraces found to have survived Tarawera eruption
ALMOST all of the Pink Terraces survived the 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera, new research has shown.
Last year, scientists discovered their remnants under Lake Rotomahana but last week they were able to delve deeper below the lake floor to see unique features.
Scientists used sonar and seismic surveys to map the lake bed to get a higher-resolution chart than they produced last year using freeswimming robotic vehicles.
It was thought the Pink and White Terraces were destroyed by the massive eruption, but the highresolution maps revealed craters, faultlines and pockmarks on the lake floor.
It also uncovered hard surfaces about three-storeys high – part of the Pink Terraces lying under two metres of mud and between 20 and 40 metres of water.
GNS scientists gave a presentation on their findings at Te Papa yesterday.
GNS marine geologist Cornel de Ronde said the discovery was exciting. ‘‘It’s giving us eyes to see what happened back in 1886. The key is it’s in the right place. If they’re going to be anywhere it should be there.’’
It was previously thought magma came up from below both sets of terraces, however it was now clear that happened only to the White Terraces, Dr de Ronde said. The story of the Pink and White Terraces – the eighth wonder of the natural world – has fascinated New Zealanders for 125 years.
‘‘It’s always been a special place for most New Zealanders. To have assisted with this project and brought them back to people has been quite significant.’’
The discovery has also shown the area is still alive with seismic activity, including about 1000 tonnes of gas released into the lake each day.
‘‘There’s a very good chance that somewhere in the Tarawera complex there could be an eruption,’’ Dr de Ronde said.
The area was monitored but the location of the lake meant that was a challenge.
There was no indication of when the next eruption might happen, he said.