Story: Soils

Mt Ruapehu erupting ash (1st of 2)

Mt Ruapehu erupting ash

Volcanic ash from Mt Ruapehu has contributed to many soils in the North Island. The wind direction at the time of an eruption dictates where the ash will be deposited. Coarse material lands quite close to the vent, but fine material has travelled at least as far as Napier and Gisborne. In this eruption of Ruapehu in 1995, the ash is drifting eastwards. Only a thin layer of ash was deposited, and by 2005 it was difficult to identify.

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GNS Science
Reference: CN39639
Photograph by Lloyd Homer

Permission of GNS Science must be obtained before any use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Allan Hewitt, 'Soils - Soil features', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/12270/mt-ruapehu-erupting-ash (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Allan Hewitt, published 24 Sep 2007