Volcanic Activity

A volcano is formed by the venting of molten rock (magma), ash, rock and steam from below the earth’s crust. They are usually found where two plates of the earth’s crust converge or diverge. Eruptions occur when the volume and density of molten rock below creates an extreme build-up of pressure. There are many different types of eruptions; some are violently explosive whereas others result in rivers of slow flowing lava. New Zealand contains numerous active volcanoes, mostly located in the North Island, with several on offshore islands. Volcanos have shaped much of the New Zealand landscape and formed the volcanic soils which now account for large areas of productive farmland. ³⁸¹⁶

Last updated at 10:46AM on February 8, 2018