Yesterday several reports describing gas smells were received, particularly from the Manawatu region. This is attributed to passive degassing of magma beneath the surface of Tongariro following last weeks eruption. This is a common observation at volcanoes.

The weather today is likely to prevent any fieldwork at Tongariro. Once the weather improves additional gas sampling flights and surface gas sampling will be attempted. Data will also be collected from portable seismographs on Tongariro.

An ashfall prediction plot is attached to this bulletin should a future eruption occur.

Steven Sherburn Duty Volcanologist