Volcanic alert level increased for New Zealand's giant Taupo volcano

As reported by Sky News, the Taupo Volcano in New Zealand has been found by scientists to have displayed unrest. Geological agency, GeoNet found that there were almost 700 small earthquakes detected below Lake Taupo, which is New Zealand’s largest lake.

The earthquakes caused by the volcano has led the agency to raise the volcanic alert level of Taupo volcano from 0 to 1.

Taupo Volcano’s last eruption

As stated by Reuters, according to Geonet, the last time that Taupo Volcano erupted, it was one of the largest eruptions on Earth in the last 5000 years.

Back then, the eruption spewed 100 cubic kilometres of material from the volcano onto Earth and affected a huge portion of New Zealand's central North Island, which luckily was uninhabited by humans back then.

The possibility of Taupo Volcano erupting

The volcanic alert system is based on six escalating levels of unrest. However, according to Geonet eruptions have the possibility of occurring at any level, and levels may not move in sequence as activity can change rapidly.

According to Reuters, in spite of the increased volcano alert, chances of eruption remain low as of now. However, the reported volcanic unrest could continue for a while.

As quoted by the report, Geonet stated,

The earthquakes and deformation could continue for the coming weeks or months.

Sources used:

Geonet: 'Volcano:Taupo'

Sky News: 'Alert level raised on New Zealand's giant Taupo volcano - source of Earth's largest eruption in past 5,000 years'

Reuters: 'New Zealand raises alert level on giant Taupo volcano'

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