Whakaari/White Island Wander (Bay of Plenty) EarthCache
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Whakaari/White Island Wander (Bay of Plenty)
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Te Puia o Whakaari/White Island is an active andesite stratovolcano, situated 48 km (30 mi) from Whakatane.
The full Maori name for the island is 'Te Puia o Whakaari', meaning 'The Dramatic Volcano.' It was named 'White Island' by Captain Cook on October 1, 1769 because it always appeared to be in a cloud of white steam. Although Cook went close to the island he failed to notice that it was a volcano. Its official name is Whakaari/White Island although it is most well-known as White Island. Whakaari/White Island island is roughly circular, about 2 km (1.2 mi) in diameter, and rises to a height of 321 m (1,053 ft) above sea level. However this is only the peak of a much larger submarine mountain, which rises up to 1,600 m (5,249 ft) above the nearby seafloor.
Volcanologists from the GeoNet Project continually monitor the volcano’s activity via surveillance cameras. Survey pegs, magnetometers and seismograph equipment for early earthquake warnings via radio have also been installed on the crater walls. The island is usually on an alert level rating of 1 or 2 on a scale of 1–5. At most times the volcanic activity is limited to steaming fumaroles and boiling mud. In March 2000, three small vents appeared in the main crater and began belching ash which covered the island in fine grey powder. An eruption on July 27, 2000 blanketed the island with mud and scoria and a new crater appeared. Major eruptions in 1981–83 altered much of the island’s landscape and decimated the extensive pohutukawa forest. The large crater created at that time now contains a lake, whose level varies substantially.
There is a camera that monitors activity regularly. It can be found here: (visit link)
The island was mined for Sulphur for a time but the low mineral content, extreme conditions and a catastrophic lahar put an end to that in the 1920s, though the corroding remnants of this activity remains.
The island is unique in a number of ways. The vent is below sea level but shielded from the sea by high crater walls. Although surrounded by sea water, the vent is chemically sealed from it. This sealed zone traps an acid hot water system, which is derived from rainwater.
Walking on White Island is a little like walking on the moon. There is virtually no vegetation in the harsh acidic environment inside the crater walls. Instead, lush beds of yellow and white sulphur crystals grow amongst hissing, steaming, bubbling fumaroles.
White Island is one of the most amazing natural experiences in New Zealand
Source: Wikipedia and PJ Tours Ltd
TO COMPLETE THE CACHE
1. How old is the volcanic superstructure of the island?
2. How old is the major volcanic vent on the island?
3. How wide is the base of the volcano (undersea)
4. What is chemical composition of the acid lake on the island?
5. What is the pH of the acid lake on the island?
6. You will be issued with a gas mask when on the island to help you to breathe. What is the main gas in the air?
OPTIONAL:
7. Post a pic of an EITHER an active fumerole or remnants of the mining operation. Give a brief explanation of your photo.
8. Post a picture of yourself (not your GPSr) on the island.
LOGS not containing evidence of a personal visit may be deleted at the discretion of
NB: Those with respiratory conditions should consult their physician before attempting this cache.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Nfx lbhe thvqr vs lbh ner fgehttyvat jvgu gur nafjref!