Scientists are monitoring Mount Ruapehu after an increase in volcanic activity has been detected.<\/p>\n
It is in a state of minor unrest, with the constant tremor beneath the volcano having increased from a weak to moderate level.<\/p>\n
Geologist Michael Rosenberg said it could be an early warning sign of an eruption.<\/p>\n
There had been a gradual increase in the volcanic tremor since July 22, Rosenberg said, which had reached a level that had not been recorded in at least two years.<\/p>\n
“It doesn’t, by itself, mean that the volcano is going to erupt.<\/p>\n
“It’s more like a possible early warning signal.”<\/p>\n
Rosenberg said there had been a minimal change in temperature at Crater Lake, or Te Wai \u0101-moe, which remained stable.<\/p>\n
The output of gas emissions, such as volcanic sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide, were still at a low-to-moderate amount.<\/p>\n
Rosenberg said the tremor was also within the range expected during minor unrest.<\/p>\n
He said there was no link between New Zealand’s heightened seismic activity, and an increase in the level of volcanic tremor beneath Mount Ruapehu.<\/p>\n
The Volcanic Alert Level was at one, and the Aviation Colour Code was green.<\/p>\n