5050 x 3381 px | 42,8 x 28,6 cm | 16,8 x 11,3 inches | 300dpi
Data acquisizione:
2008
Ubicazione:
Wai-O-Tapu thermal park near Rotorua, New Zealand
Altre informazioni:
Wai-O-Tapu (meaning “Sacred Waters” in Maori) is a fascinating active geothermal area just north of the Reporoa caldera in New Zealand's Taupo Volcanic Zone. The area has many hot springs noted for their colourful appearance, in addition to the Lady Knox Geyser. The area has a long history as a tourist attraction. While the area has been protected as a scenic reserve since 1931, a tourist operation occupies part of the reserve under a concession. It operates under the name "Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland". These sinter terraces of The Primrose Terrace are the largest in New Zealand following the destruction of the famous Pink and White Terraces as a result of the violent erruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886. The water from the Champagne Pool (higher up) contains dissolved silica which, as the water evaporates, is deposited as siliceous sinter. They are quite fragile and have been forming at a variable rate over the last 700 years, covering an area of about 3 acres or 1.5 hectares and terminating at the Brdal Veil Falls.
