Mount Ruapehu's Crater Lake is heating up, but there are no signs an eruption is imminent. GNS Science volcanologists said today high water temperatures, currently about 38degC-39degC, were being experienced in the lake. GeoNet duty volcanologist Agnes Mazot said changes had also recently occurred in volcanic gas output, seismic activity and Crater Lake water chemistry. "These changes show that Ruapehu is experiencing signs of elevated unrest above known background levels. Hence the aviation colour code is being raised to yellow," she said. The four-tiered volcano alert level uses the terms normal, advisory, watch, and warning, with yellow being the advisory category. The lake reached 41degC on March 1. Read More
