Geothermal features annual monitoring report - June 2021

Report: TR 2021/17

Author: Jesse Lebe

Abstract

Annual geothermal monitoring data from 2005 to 2021 are presented for long-term observations of geothermal feature conditions. A field survey was conducted in November – December 2020. Twelve geothermal fields were visited: Atiamuri, Mokai, Ngatamariki, Orakei Korako, Reporoa, Rotokawa, Tauhara, Te Kopia, Waikite, Waiotapu, and Whangairorohea. Water temperature and pH measurements were taken where possible, and general observations on the feature conditions were also recorded. Images captured from a relatively new infrared thermal imager device are included in this report to show the thermal profile of each surface feature. Many features have exhibited temperature and pH changes since 2005, while others remained relatively unchanged. The Hydrothermal Eruption Crater at Ngatamariki is observed to have a semi-permanent sediment apron composed of pumiceous materials from a landslip which occurred in 2019. A new feature that we named Orion’s Belt was discovered in late 2020 at Orakei Korako. The Champagne Pool at Waiotapu and Te Manaroa Pool at Waikite are two major alkali-chloride springs that did not show major changes since 2005.