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Story: Historic volcanic activity

Avalanche (3rd of 3)

Avalanche

Thirty seconds after the Mt Ngāuruhoe explosion the ash cloud rises and expands. Some of the heavier material begins to drop, causing fluid pyroclastic flows (glowing avalanches of fragmented rock) that travelled two kilometres down the Mangatepopo valley.

About this item

Private collection
Photograph by Graham Hancox

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How to cite this page:

Eileen McSaveney, Carol Stewart and Graham Leonard. 'Historic volcanic activity', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 24-Sep-11
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/historic-volcanic-activity/3/4/3