Story: Volcanoes

Ash layer, Chatham Islands (2nd of 2)

Ash layer, Chatham Islands

A distinct white layer of volcanic ash enclosed in peat has been known for many years on Chatham Island (Rēkohu). In the photograph, it is the thin white layer, close to the handle of the geological hammer. It was originally named Rēkohu Ash, but it has since been identified as coming from the massive Ōruanui eruption in Lake Taupō, over 760 kilometres away. The thick layer above is burnt peat, not another ash.

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Photograph by Cam Nelson

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How to cite this page:

Richard Smith, David J. Lowe and Ian Wright, 'Volcanoes - The Taupō volcano', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/8715/ash-layer-chatham-islands (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Richard Smith, David J. Lowe and Ian Wright, published 12 Jun 2006