Inferno Crater Lake: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Large hot spring in New Zealand's Waimangu Valley}} |
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{{Use New Zealand English|date=March 2024}} |
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{{Infobox body of water |
{{Infobox body of water |
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| name = Inferno Crater Lake |
| name = Inferno Crater Lake |
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| image = Inferno Crater Lake.JPG |
| image = Inferno Crater Lake.JPG |
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| alt = Inferno Crater Lake at high lake level |
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| caption = Inferno Crater Lake at high lake level |
| caption = Inferno Crater Lake at high lake level |
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| image_bathymetry = |
| image_bathymetry = |
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| location = [[Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley]], [[North Island]] |
| location = [[Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley]], [[North Island]] |
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|pushpin_map=North Island |
|pushpin_map=North Island |
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| pushpin_map_alt = Location of Inferno Crater Lake |
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| coords = {{coord|38|16|55|S|176|23|59|E|region:NZ-BOP_type:waterbody|display=inline,title}} |
| coords = {{coord|38|16|55|S|176|23|59|E|region:NZ-BOP_type:waterbody|display=inline,title}} |
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| lake_type = |
| lake_type = |
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'''Inferno Crater Lake''' is a large [[hot spring]] located in the [[Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley]] on the North Island of [[New Zealand]], and the largest [[geyser]]-like feature in the world.<ref name="GNS">{{cite web|url=http://www.gns.cri.nz/Home/Learning/Science-Topics/Volcanoes/New-Zealand-Volcanoes/Volcano-Geology-and-Hazards/Waimangu-Geology|title=Waimangu: Geology|publisher=[[GNS Science]]|accessdate=2014-12-22}}</ref> The actual geyser is not visible, as it plays underwater at the bottom of the lake, however, [[fumaroles]] are visible on the lake's shore and the rock wall behind it. |
'''Inferno Crater Lake''' is a large [[hot spring]] located in the [[Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley]] on the North Island of [[New Zealand]], and the largest [[geyser]]-like feature in the world.<ref name="GNS">{{cite web|url=http://www.gns.cri.nz/Home/Learning/Science-Topics/Volcanoes/New-Zealand-Volcanoes/Volcano-Geology-and-Hazards/Waimangu-Geology|title=Waimangu: Geology|publisher=[[GNS Science]]|accessdate=2014-12-22}}</ref> The actual geyser is not visible, as it plays underwater at the bottom of the lake, however, [[fumaroles]] are visible on the lake's shore and the rock wall behind it. |
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[[File:Inferno crater at Waimangu volcanic rift.jpg|center|thumb|295x295px]] |
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The water temperature in the lake |
The water temperature in the lake shifts from {{convert|35|to|80|C}} every six weeks,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Macdonald |first=Nikki |date=2015-05-07 |title=What lives in New Zealand's hot and hostile volcanic springs? |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/science/68286663/what-lives-in-new-zealands-hot-and-hostile-volcanic-springs |access-date=2023-08-12 |website=Stuff |language=en}}</ref> with acidity up to pH 2.2,<ref>A case study of resistivity and self-potential signatures of hydrothermal instabilities, Inferno Crater Lake, Waimangu; Geophysical Research Letters, Vol 36, DOI: 10.1029/2009GL037573</ref> and lake levels that vary up to {{convert|12|m}}, following a complicated 38-day cycle that includes an overflow stage. White silica deposits grow up to the overflow level, and the lake's colour is a result of finely divided silica suspended in the water. At low water levels the lake can be a dull grey colour, changing to an intensely sky blue colour at higher lake levels, in particular after the overflow stage.<ref name="INFOINFERNO">Information panel "Inferno Crater" at Inferno Crater lookout</ref> |
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Inferno Crater was blasted out of the side of the locally prominent Mt Haszard as part of the 1886 [[Mount Tarawera]] eruption, which opened several craters along a {{convert|17|km|adj=on}} rift stretching southwest from Mount Tarawera to the nearby Southern Crater. Inferno Crater's trumpet-shaped lake bed is up to {{convert|30|m}} deep when the lake is full, which is also when it reaches its highest temperature.<ref name="WANDERER2014">Waimangu Wanderer Guide, April 2014</ref> |
Inferno Crater was blasted out of the side of the locally prominent Mt Haszard as part of the 1886 [[Mount Tarawera]] eruption, which opened several craters along a {{convert|17|km|adj=on}} rift stretching southwest from Mount Tarawera to the nearby Southern Crater. Inferno Crater's trumpet-shaped lake bed is up to {{convert|30|m}} deep when the lake is full, which is also when it reaches its highest temperature.<ref name="WANDERER2014">Waimangu Wanderer Guide, April 2014</ref> |
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The system has been the subject of studies since monitoring equipment was installed in the area in 1970.<ref>Information panel "Waimangu Monitoring Station" at the outflow from Frying Pan Lake, [[GNS Science]] and [[Waikato Regional Council]]</ref> Four distinct phases can be recognised in its cycle: First, the lake level rises steadily from its lowest level by a total of almost {{convert|5|m|spell=in}} over the course of eight days, and then it commences oscillating. The average lake level keeps rising over the course of the oscillations of the second phase until it reaches overflow level. At that point, the lake's volume has increased by {{convert|45800|m3|e6l e6usgal|abbr=off}}. |
The system has been the subject of studies since monitoring equipment was installed in the area in 1970.<ref>Information panel "Waimangu Monitoring Station" at the outflow from Frying Pan Lake, [[GNS Science]] and [[Waikato Regional Council]]</ref> Four distinct phases can be recognised in its cycle: First, the lake level rises steadily from its lowest level by a total of almost {{convert|5|m|spell=in}} over the course of eight days, and then it commences oscillating. The average lake level keeps rising over the course of the oscillations of the second phase until it reaches overflow level. At that point, the lake's volume has increased by {{convert|45800|m3|e6l e6usgal|abbr=off}}. |
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Next, the lake overflows for about 51 hours at a rate of almost {{convert|80| |
Next, the lake overflows for about 51 hours at a rate of almost {{convert|80|L/s|m3/s usgal/s||}}, discharging on average {{convert|140000|m3|e6l e6usgal|abbr=off}} of over {{convert|70|C}} hot water down a temporary overflow stream into Waimangu Stream in the valley below. The last stage sees the lake recede to its low level over the last 13 days of the cycle, its water temperature also falling to the low point.<ref name="GNS"/> During that stage, around {{convert|30|e6l|e3m3 e6usgal|abbr=off|}} of water drain back under Mt Haszard.<ref name="INFOINFERNO"/> |
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Inferno Crater Lake is accessible via a side track with 50 steps off the main Waimangu walking track. It is one of three lakes filling craters created in the vicinity during the 1886 event. |
Inferno Crater Lake is accessible via a side track with 50 steps off the main Waimangu walking track. It is one of three lakes filling craters created in the vicinity during the 1886 event. |
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Latest revision as of 21:59, 20 March 2024
| Inferno Crater Lake | |
|---|---|
 Inferno Crater Lake at high lake level | |
  Inferno Crater Lake | |
| Location | Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley, North Island |
| Coordinates | 38°16′55″S 176°23′59″E / 38.28194°S 176.39972°E |
| Primary inflows | (underwater geyser) |
| Primary outflows | cyclic overflow into Waimangu Stream |
| Basin countries | New Zealand |
| Average depth | 22 to 30 m (72 to 98 ft) |
| Max. depth | 30 m (98 ft) |
Inferno Crater Lake is a large hot spring located in the Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley on the North Island of New Zealand, and the largest geyser-like feature in the world.[1] The actual geyser is not visible, as it plays underwater at the bottom of the lake, however, fumaroles are visible on the lake's shore and the rock wall behind it.
The water temperature in the lake shifts from 35 to 80 °C (95 to 176 °F) every six weeks,[2] with acidity up to pH 2.2,[3] and lake levels that vary up to 12 metres (39 ft), following a complicated 38-day cycle that includes an overflow stage. White silica deposits grow up to the overflow level, and the lake's colour is a result of finely divided silica suspended in the water. At low water levels the lake can be a dull grey colour, changing to an intensely sky blue colour at higher lake levels, in particular after the overflow stage.[4]
Inferno Crater was blasted out of the side of the locally prominent Mt Haszard as part of the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption, which opened several craters along a 17-kilometre (11 mi) rift stretching southwest from Mount Tarawera to the nearby Southern Crater. Inferno Crater's trumpet-shaped lake bed is up to 30 metres (98 ft) deep when the lake is full, which is also when it reaches its highest temperature.[5]
Since 1901 the lake occupying Inferno Crater has exhibited water-level variations closely associated with the Waimangu Geyser cycle.[5] Inferno Crater Lake and its neighbouring Frying Pan Lake form a unique relationship and follow an interconnected rhythmic cycle of hydrology variations repeating itself over the course of roughly 38 days. When the water level and temperature of Inferno Crater Lake increase, the water level and outflow of Frying Pan Lake decrease. Comparable cyclic activity is unknown in other hydrothermal systems in the world.[1]
The system has been the subject of studies since monitoring equipment was installed in the area in 1970.[6] Four distinct phases can be recognised in its cycle: First, the lake level rises steadily from its lowest level by a total of almost five metres (16 ft) over the course of eight days, and then it commences oscillating. The average lake level keeps rising over the course of the oscillations of the second phase until it reaches overflow level. At that point, the lake's volume has increased by 45,800 cubic metres (45.8 million litres; 12.1 million US gallons). Next, the lake overflows for about 51 hours at a rate of almost 80 litres per second (0.080 m3/s; 21 US gal/s), discharging on average 140,000 cubic metres (140 million litres; 37 million US gallons) of over 70 °C (158 °F) hot water down a temporary overflow stream into Waimangu Stream in the valley below. The last stage sees the lake recede to its low level over the last 13 days of the cycle, its water temperature also falling to the low point.[1] During that stage, around 30 million litres (30 thousand cubic metres; 7.9 million US gallons) of water drain back under Mt Haszard.[4]
Inferno Crater Lake is accessible via a side track with 50 steps off the main Waimangu walking track. It is one of three lakes filling craters created in the vicinity during the 1886 event.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Waimangu: Geology". GNS Science. Retrieved 2014-12-22.
- ^ Macdonald, Nikki (2015-05-07). "What lives in New Zealand's hot and hostile volcanic springs?". Stuff. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
- ^ A case study of resistivity and self-potential signatures of hydrothermal instabilities, Inferno Crater Lake, Waimangu; Geophysical Research Letters, Vol 36, DOI: 10.1029/2009GL037573
- ^ a b Information panel "Inferno Crater" at Inferno Crater lookout
- ^ a b Waimangu Wanderer Guide, April 2014
- ^ Information panel "Waimangu Monitoring Station" at the outflow from Frying Pan Lake, GNS Science and Waikato Regional Council
