A distinct white layer of volcanic ash enclosed in peat has been known for many years on Chatham Island (Rēkohu). In the photograph, it is the thin white layer, close to the handle of the geological hammer. It was originally named Rēkohu Ash, but it has since been identified as coming from the massive Ōruanui eruption in Lake Taupō, over 760 kilometres away. The thick layer above is burnt peat, not another ash.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Private collection
Photograph by Cam Nelson
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