Story: Historic volcanic activity

Ash from Ruapehu, 1996 (1st of 2)

Ash from Ruapehu, 1996

This satellite photograph of New Zealand shows the plume of ash from the Ruapehu eruption of 17 June 1996 extending for hundreds of kilometres north-north-east of the vent. Where it drifts depends on wind direction. The end result, over hundreds of years, is that a dusting of volcanic ash has been added to the topsoil and enhanced its fertility.

Using this item

CSIRO/NOAA

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) is an infringement of copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Eileen McSaveney, Carol Stewart and Graham Leonard, 'Historic volcanic activity - Ruapehu since 1945', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/6880/ash-from-ruapehu-1996 (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Eileen McSaveney, Carol Stewart and Graham Leonard, published 12 Jun 2006