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Wonder
Te Kopia Mud Geyser
In short
Geysers are very rare but mud geysers are even rared. Te Kopia Mud Geyser is one of the most prominent examples of these natural landmarks. During the periods of activity, it ejects a fountain of muddy water that is some 3-10 m high.
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In detail
Comparatively little-known geothermal field in New Zealand is Te Kopia. It is rather close to the famous Orakei Korako and has formed at the foot of a small mountain range – Paeroa Range. Over the distance of some 1 300 m, a group of fumaroles has formed several mud pools, a fine sinter terrace, a mud volcano, and the most unusual feature: Te Kopia Mud Geyser.
This geyser is located at the northern end of this geothermal field, at the western rim of some 30 m wide mud pool. Similar to most other geysers, it is changing its behavior over time. Sometimes it is dormant but sometimes the mud geyser erupts powerful fountains of hot mud, splashing with it the surrounding vegetation. But during some periods it behaves like a “true geyser”: it periodically, each 10-30 minutes with a loud bang erupts some 3 to 10 m high fountain of muddy water.
After heavy rain the water level in the mud pool rises, covering the geyser.
In the northern part of Te Kopia is built a short boardwalk and visitors can look at the mud geyser from a hill. The southern part of the geothermal field is not accessible to tourists.
References
- Ashley D. Cody, Ron F. Keam, Jesse Lebe, Bridget Lynne, Katherine Luketina. Sinter-forming springs and geysers of the Waikato region, July 2021. Accessed on June 25, 2022.
- Dirk Niermann, Te Kopia, Volcanic Springs. Accessed on June 25, 2022.
Linked articles
Wonders of New Zealand
The island nation of New Zealand hosts some of the most impressive natural attractions in the world. The number of attractions is divided almost equally between two large islands – the South and North islands.
Springs
Powerful natural freshwater springs belong to the most fascinating monuments of nature. Even more exciting is the diversity of unusual springs – mineral springs, hot springs, submarine springs as well as the unusual black smokers. Especially beautiful are such natural rarities as travertine, silica, or salt terraces created by warm and hot springs and, especially, geysers.
Wonders of Polynesia
Although the landmass of Polynesia is small, the charm and special beauty of this region are some of the most impressive on our planet. These islands are endowed with lush and beautiful nature, with warm oceans and friendly people representing a distinct culture. Polynesia is very rich in both natural and cultural landmarks and many of them are unique.
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