Mount Ruapehu Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the source of the Whangaehu River?

Crater Lake (correct)

Mount Ruapehu's eastern slopes

Whangaehu Valley

Ruapehu's eruptions

What is the Whangaehu River notorious for?

Flooding

Its long length

Its scenic beauty

Destructive lahars caused by Ruapehu's eruptions (correct)

What happened to the dams built across the outlet on several occasions?

They were never built

They were always successful

They failed in 1953 and 2007 (correct)

They were built in 1862 and 1895

What is the name of the glacier that feeds the Whangaehu River?

Whangaehu glacier Signup and view all the answers

What is the Summit Plateau glacier?

An ice field that fills an extinct volcanic crater Signup and view all the answers

How many glaciers have been recognised on Ruapehu?

18 Signup and view all the answers

What is the Mangatoetoenui glacier one of the principal sources of?

Waikato River Signup and view all the answers

What type of climate does Ruapehu have on the upper slopes?

Polar tundra climate Signup and view all the answers

Where is Mount Ruapehu located?

North Island's southern end Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest point in the North Island?

Tahurangi Signup and view all the answers

What is Crater Lake also known as?

Te Wai ā-moe Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate volume of Mount Ruapehu?

110 km3 Signup and view all the answers

Which road leads to Whakapapa Village?

State Highway 48 Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the skifields on Mount Ruapehu?

They are the only ones on the North Island Signup and view all the answers

What is Mount Ruapehu known for?

Its active stratovolcano Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the name Ruapehu?

Pit of noise Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Location and Geography

Mount Ruapehu is an active stratovolcano located in the North Island of New Zealand, within the Tongariro National Park.
It is situated 23 km northeast of Ohakune and 23 km southwest of the southern shore of Lake Taupō.

Features and Peaks

Mount Ruapehu has three major peaks: Tahurangi (2,797 m), Te Heuheu (2,755 m), and Paretetaitonga (2,751 m).
It has a deep, active crater called Crater Lake (Te Wai ā-moe) that fills with water between major eruptions.

Ski Resorts and Access

The North Island's major ski resorts are located on its slopes.
There are three access routes to Ruapehu, leading to three skifields: Whakapapa, Turoa, and Tukino.

Crater Lake and Eruptions

Crater Lake is situated at the southern end of the Summit Plateau and is filled with a warm, acidic lake.
The lake's outlet is at the head of the Whangaehu Valley, where the Whangaehu River arises.
Eruptions have built tephra dams across the outlet on several occasions, causing destructive lahars down the river.

Glaciers

A total of 18 glaciers have been recognized on Ruapehu, with six named glaciers.
Two glaciers are found in the active crater, and most of the ice on Ruapehu is contained in the Whangaehu, Summit Plateau, and Mangatoetoenui glaciers.

Climate

Mount Ruapehu has a polar tundra climate (Köppen: ET) on the upper slopes.
The glaciers are sensitive to changes in climate and have been thinning and retreating since 1955, with the exception of the northern crater glacier.