Story: Volcanoes

Volcanic ash in lakes

Volcanic ash in lakes

Scientists examine a long sample (core) of sediment from beneath Lake Maratoto, which is near Hamilton airport, in the North Island’s volcanic zone. Lake sediments from this region typically have a large amount of volcanic ash (light coloured), from sporadic eruptions. The inset shows the thin white ash layers interspersed with darker, organic mud from the lake floor.

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University of Waikato
Photograph by David J. Lowe

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How to cite this page:

Richard Smith, David J. Lowe and Ian Wright, 'Volcanoes - Tephra layers – a record of past eruptions', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/8733/volcanic-ash-in-lakes (accessed 9 May 2024)

Story by Richard Smith, David J. Lowe and Ian Wright, published 12 Jun 2006