August 10th, 2010 Category: Volcanoes

New Zealand - August 2nd, 2010

Mount Taranaki, or Mount Egmont, is an active but quiescent stratovolcano in the Taranaki region on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island. The 2518-metre-high mountain is one of the most symmetrical volcanic cones in the world, similar in shape to Mount Fuji in Japan.

Taranaki is considered unusual in that it has experienced at least five of its major eruptions by the method of cone collapse. Few volcanoes have undergone more than one cone collapse. The vast volume of material involved in these collapses is reflected in the extensive ringplain surrounding the volcano. Here, that ringplain appears dark greyish green in color, in contrast to the bright green plains surrounding it.

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December 10th, 2009 Category: Image of the day, Lakes, Volcanoes

New Zealand - November 24th, 2009

The Cook Strait separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand, connecting the Tasman Sea on the west with the South Pacific Ocean on the east.

To the south the coast runs runs 30 km along Cloudy Bay and past the islands and entrances to the Marlborough Sounds. To the north the coast runs 40 km along Palliser Bay, crosses the entrance to Wellington Harbour, past some Wellington suburbs and continues another 15 km to Makara beach.

Cook Strait is one of the most dangerous and unpredictable waters in the world. At its narrowest point 23 km separate Cape Terawhiti in the North Island from Perano Head on Arapawa Island in the Marlborough Sounds. Counter-intuitively, at this point the South Island coast lies further north than that of the North Island.

Other points of interest visible on the North Island in this image include Lake Taupo, the large body of water near the top, snow-capped Mount Ruapehu south of the lake, and the also snow-tipped Mount Taranaki (also known as Mount Egmont) on the left edge.

Tags: Arapawa Island Cape Terawhiti Cloudy Bay Cook Strait Makara Beach Marlborough Sounds Mount Egmont Mount Ruapehu Mount Taranaki New Zealand North Island Pacific Ocean Palliser Bay Perano Head South Island Tasman Sea Wellington Wellington Harbour |  Print This Post |  Email This Post | | Leave a comment

June 22nd, 2009 Category: Snapshots, Volcanoes

New Zealand - June 7th, 2009

Volcanoes

Southern tip

Clouds hang over the southern Pacific, surrounding the island country of New Zealand. Most of the land areas are actually clear, except for a few places above the Southern Alps, the mountain range dividing the South Island along its length.

In the full image, part of the North Island is visible at the top right, as is Stewart Island, the country’s third largest island, at the bottom.

The first close-up focuses on the southern tip of the South Island. The southernmost point here is known as Slope Point, in an area known as the Catlins. This region is rugged and sparsely populated area, featuring a scenic coastal landscape and dense temperate rainforest, both of which harbour many endangered species of birds.

The second close-up gives a more detailed look at volcanoes on the western side of the North Island. Mount Taranaki (also known as Mount Egmont) can be seen on the left, and Mount Ruapehu is visible on the right.

Tags: Mount Egmont Mount Ruapehu Mount Taranaki New Zealand North Island Rainforest Slope Point South Island Southern Alps Stewart Island The Catlins Volcanoes |  Print This Post |  Email This Post | | Leave a comment