There is a strong possibility of an eruption of the Tuapo supervolcano, scientists say. Taupo lake in new zealand Taupo volcano in new zealand
- How to find: New Zealand, North Island, Taupo region;
- Visit: is free;
- Types of recreation: eco-tourism, fishing, sailing
Taupo is a lake in the basin of the volcano of the same name on in, located on the northeast coast of the city of Taupo.
What is unique about Lake Taupo?
Taupo is the largest lake in New Zealand, which is considered one of the richest reservoirs fresh water on the planet.
Lake Taupo was formed by an eruption ancient volcano Oruanui about 27 thousand years ago. For a long time, water accumulated in the crater due to heavy rains and rivers, which changed their direction and began to fall into the lake.
The area of the lake is 616 km2, the largest deep point is located at a distance of 186 meters from the surface, in the very center of the lake. The length of the large diameter is 44 km. By lenght coastline Lake Taupo is 193 km. Its catchment area is 3327 km2.
By its nature, the lake is unique, the main part of its coast is covered with beech and coniferous forests. The land is mostly overgrown with various ferns and oleariaceae shrubs. The fauna of Lake Taupo is also diverse: various species of crayfish, small sprat, kokopa and white smelt live in the lake. The most popular Taupo brought brown (river) and rainbow trout, brought in the 19th century from Europe, California and the United States for breeding. Sponges and other invertebrates gather in large colonies at the bottom of the lake.
Only one river, the Waikato, flows out of the lake - the largest river in New Zealand, and about 30 rivers flow into it.
Among New Zealanders and tourists, Lake Taupo is popular primarily for excellent fishing, trout weighing 10 kg are not particularly surprising, and the annual 160 km bike ride around the lake attracts about 1 million tourists a year.
Volcano Taupo
Lake Taupo is located on the site of the supervolcano Taupo. Currently, the volcano is considered dormant, but the possibility that in a few hundred years it will rise from a long sleep is not ruled out.
The first major volcanic eruption of Taupo occurred about 70,000 years ago. According to the VEI scale, 8 points were noted. About 1170 km 3 of ash and magma were thrown into nature. Also, a major volcanic eruption was recorded in 180 AD (7 points on the VEI scale), when the amount of ejected lava reached 30 km 3 within 5 minutes. The volcano last erupted around 210 AD.
In the area of the Taupo volcano, various geothermal springs, geysers and hot springs beat.
 |
After conducting research on the Tuapo supervolcano caldera in New Zealand, scientists came to the conclusion that even a small earthquake is enough for this giant to come to life.
Taupo is a volcano on the North Island of New Zealand. Its caldera is filled with the lake of the same name.
The Taupo eruption, known as the Oruanui eruption, 26,500 years ago, was the largest volcanic eruption in the world over the past 70,000 years and reached 8 points on the VEI scale. The eruption occurred in the late Pleistocene and was distinguished by a huge volume of volcanic emissions. According to scientists, about 530 km³ of magma was erupted. Based on the analysis of volcanic material, the researchers divided the Oruanui eruption into ten stages.
During the early phases of the eruption, the formation of a giant caldera began, the expansion of which was completed at the last stage. Currently, the caldera is partially filled with Lake Taupo.
Around 180 AD there was the last significant eruption (7 points on the VEI scale), called the Hatepe eruption. The eruption was one of the strongest in the last 5000 years, comparable in power to the eruption of the Baekdusan volcano (about 1000 AD) and Tambora (1815). The eruption did not have such a strong effect on the northern hemisphere, however, Roman and Chinese sources recorded the phenomenon of "red sky". Taupo volcano from a height The length of Lake Taupo is 44 kilometers, the area is 33 square kilometers. It is the largest natural reservoir fresh water throughout the south Pacific Ocean. The largest river in the country, the Waikato (Waikato), flows out of Lake Taupo and flows into the ocean. Eel and trout are found in the waters of the lake. The lake is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. Taupo is popular tourist centre. Every year, due to the natural uniqueness of the lake, more than 1.2 million tourists come here not only from New Zealand but also from all over the world.
Throughout its history, the Taupo volcano has erupted 28 times. The last powerful eruption occurred about 180 years ago. Presumably, during this eruption, 100 cubic kilometers of matter were ejected, which formed a pillar 50 kilometers high. Taupo is one of the most powerful volcanoes world, its eruption could become a real catastrophe not only for the region, but for the entire planet.
Mega eruption - a powerful volcanic eruption, reaching 8 points on the VEI scale. Such eruptions are characterized by a huge volume of ejected material (at least 1000 km³) and devastating consequences not only for the surrounding area, but also for the global climate. Volcanoes capable of erupting this amount of rock are called supervolcanoes. Mega eruptions occur no more than once every 10,000-50,000 years, but each of them leaves a significant mark on the history of the Earth.
On Earth, the last such eruption, according to volcanologists, occurred 27 thousand years ago on the North Island of New Zealand. It formed Lake Taupo. 1170 km³ of volcanic material was ejected.
The Oruanui eruption of the Taupo volcano in New Zealand was the largest volcanic eruption in the world in the last 70,000 years and reached 8 points on the VEI scale. The eruption occurred approximately 26,500 years ago in the late Pleistocene and was notable for its huge volume of volcanic ejecta. Scientists estimate that about 430 km³ of pyroclastic material, 320 km³ of ignimbrite and 420 km³ of primary intracaldera material were erupted, the volume of which is equivalent to 530 km³ of magma. Based on the analysis of volcanic material, the researchers divided the Oruanui eruption into ten stages.
During the early phases of the eruption, the formation of a giant caldera began, the expansion of which was completed in the last stage. Currently, the caldera is partially filled with Lake Taupo.
Tephra erupted by the volcano covered most of central regions north island layer, the depth of which in some places reached 200 meters. Volcanic ash spread to almost all of New Zealand, and even 1000 km from the volcano, on the Chatham archipelago, it lay down in a layer of 18 centimeters. The eruption seriously changed the landscape of the surroundings of the volcano, in particular, there was a change in the course of the Waikato River.
Located in the crater of an ancient volcano and surrounded by three dormant volcanoes, Taupo impresses not only with the picturesque views that open on a yacht on this reservoir, but also with its scale, being the largest among all lakes in this country.
Its area is just over 600 km², which is comparable in scale to Singapore. This is not the end of Taupo's records: in the whole of Oceania, it is also the second largest lake with fresh water.
Curious fact! The history of Lake Taupo is described in detail in the novel by Jules Verne, which tells about the search for Captain Grant. New Zealand was also among the possible locations for the captain, and the famous French science fiction writer did not stint on inclusion in the narrative. interesting facts about this country.
In the footsteps of the Maori
The actual name of the lake in the Maori language sounds “Toupo-nui-a-Tia”, which means the shoulder cape of Tia, the first Maori who discovered these places. Maori tribes appeared here around the end of the 13th century.
This is interesting! The British colonialists managed to defeat the Maori with the help of special water equipment. In Sydney, armored boats with a flat bottom were ordered, so arrows and bullets from old Maori guns simply bounced off the sides, so Lake Taupo became a strategic point that brought the British closer to victory.
On the northeastern outskirts of Taupo is the city of the same name to the lake. In it you can visit the museum of this New Zealand lake, which has witnessed many historical events, and learn a lot of interesting things about the history of these places and their indigenous people - the Maori tribe. An interesting contact with the historical past of New Zealand can also be a fascinating trip along Lake Taupo on the old yacht The Barbary, built in 1926.
Yachting in New Zealand's Mordor
on Lake Taupo is especially popular, because here you can not only get in touch with the historical past of the country (for example, see from a yacht cave drawings Maori), but also to admire the breathtaking landscapes. Beech and coniferous forests on the coast of the lake are adjacent to three majestic volcanoes that surround Taupo from the south.
Many of these landscapes may seem very familiar. Can't guess where? The Lord of the Rings saga is the answer! It’s hard not to remember the Tongariro volcano throwing out colored smoke, the landscapes of which served as natural scenery when filming Mordor. The Taupo volcano itself, as a result of the ancient activity of which the lake arose, is considered dormant, i.e. such that it can once suddenly wake up and revive its activity.
This is interesting! There are only 5 volcanoes, the eruption of which, according to scientists, can completely change the world. So, along with the formidable volcano of Yellowstone Park, about which many have heard, there is the Taupo volcano.
Trout is a valuable fishing trophy in Taupo
One of the most popular on Lake Taupo, with an average depth of 110 m (maximum - 183 m), is. If until the 19th century all that could be caught here was just crayfish and white smelt, then after trout was brought from California, Taupo turned into a real fishing paradise.
Large brook and rainbow trout (the weight of one fish drags up to 10 kilos) and eel - that's what can be on the bait, so fishing on Lake Taupo is unlikely to leave true connoisseurs of such an active pastime indifferent.
Interesting fact! The source of the river flowing from Lake TaupoWaitahanui is known as the "guard fence" among fishermen. Such a bizarre name is due to the fact that the fishermen here are attached closely with their shoulders to each other in order to catch fish jumping out of the lake into the river.In addition, there are many whirlpools on the Waitahaui River where you can catch a lot of large trout. So each pool bears the name of a famous person who once fished in these places. For example, the pool of Major Jones.
Trout fishing on Lake Taupo is hot all year round, but do not forget that for such water entertainment here you should definitely get a license, even if your plans are only amateur fishing.
Other entertainment
Also among the popular on Lake Taupo. On the coast, you can go to the noisy Huka waterfall located near the city, as well as visit the hot springs located in the vicinity of the lake, reminiscent of the eternal geothermal activity in these places.
If you want more extreme adventures, then you should pay attention to the air activities offered in these places: bungee jumping, skydiving and flights on light aircraft over Lake Taupo. In local restaurants, you should definitely try classic English cuisine and traditional New Zealand wines, which are distinguished by a pleasant taste and aroma.
On a note! The warmest month here is February, and the rainiest month is March. At other times of the year, precipitation is evenly distributed.
Very beautiful country. Here is wonderful nature, temperate climate, well-established infrastructure. The country is beautiful and you want to go there and admire its charms. But it is this wonderful nature that is fraught with great danger, which at any moment can not only cause serious damage to some cities and regions, but also turn these charming islands into dust in a matter of hours. And such a deadly danger lurked in the very center. She is as beautiful and attractive as the devil. To admire its beauty, to relax on its seemingly peaceful and gentle back, people from all over the country and even from all over the world come there. But the devil is the devil, and under the guise of humility, warmth and love of God lies the inhuman, bestial essence of the destruction and annihilation of everything that was so carefully created by the will of the loving and benevolent Genius.
And this monster is the hugest Taupo supervolcano, which peacefully slumbers in the heart of the North Island, among pure and breathtaking nature. The Taupo Volcano is the part that extends from the south through the regions of Taupo and Rotorua all the way to the Gulf of Plenty. The volcano is old and already 300,000 years old. It is classified as a supervolcano and is one of the most powerful and dangerous volcanoes peace. Throughout its long, centuries-old life, the Taupo volcano has become the culprit of a number of the largest eruptions on the globe. The first known mega-eruption occurred "shortly" after its birth, approximately 254,000 years ago. The formidable monster then threw out 2000 km³ of stones and ash from its devilish mouth and probably influenced climate change on the planet. The next known eruption of the Taupo volcano occurred 227.5 thousand years later - twenty-six and a half thousand years from today. This eruption is known as the Oruanui eruption. The Oruanui eruption is considered the largest eruption in the world to have occurred in the last 70,000 years. It has reached the highest level volcanic activity VEI, the highest 8 points. 530 cubic kilometers of volcanic emissions flew into the air. Tephra ejected from the volcano covered most of the North Island with a layer up to 200 meters thick, and volcanic dust fell on most of New Zealand. The ash that flew out of the crater of the volcano spread to a distance of up to a thousand kilometers. The eruption greatly changed the landscape of the North Island, destroying forests, changing the riverbeds. On the volcano itself, as a result of subsidence of the soil, a huge caldera was formed, which very quickly filled with water. There was a big and beautiful lake later named. Great Cloak of Tia, in honor of the mythical discoverer of these places.
After this event, the monster did not rest for long. He snarled, growled and periodically threw his fiery, red-hot saliva. This continued until about the year 180 of the era of Christ. During this time, the devil 26 times spat and vomited with his deadly gut on everything living and inanimate. A strong volcanic eruption occurred 8100 years before the birth of Christ. Then he calmed down for three thousand years and exploded again in 5100 BC.
The most recent powerful eruption of the Taupo volcano occurred around the end of the second century AD. It was the Hatepe eruption. It turned out to be a little weaker than the Oruanui eruption, but it also turned out to be quite destructive and received a rating of 7 points. According to experts, the Hatepe eruption is considered the most powerful eruption in the world that has occurred over the past 5000 years. 100 cubic kilometers of red-hot lava were thrown into the air. The explosion column rose to a height of 50 kilometers. All of New Zealand was covered in ash. In the region of the volcano itself, the incandescent pyroclastic flow spread to 90 kilometers from the vent. Perhaps this red-hot mass was the cause of the red clouds over Rome and China, as the echo of the eruption reached these distant shores. Emissions from the volcano blocked the exit and raised the water by 34 meters. Water poured into, creating a huge flood.
Now the Taupo volcano is calm. In the very center, in the caldera of the volcano, there is a large and beautiful lake, and on its slopes there are cities, farms, unique woodlands. It's not active, but it's not extinct either. True, unlike cone-shaped stratovolcanoes, eruptions of Taupo-class supervolcanoes occur much less frequently, but they are stronger. And when in the future, God forbid, such a misfortune occurs, depending on its strength, it will lead to strong earthquakes, floods, destruction, steam explosions in geothermal zones, climate change and other irreparable cataclysms. But people are closely watching this monster. Taupo Volcano is under constant surveillance by the New Zealand GNS Research Institute, as it is one of the most scary volcanoes peace. Although when it explodes again, then it's hard to imagine what will happen. And yet, what is difficult. And then ... What will happen next, only God knows about it.
