Geo Thermal Activity (Canterbury) EarthCache
Hidden : 10/31/2012
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:


Recent Geo Thermal Activity

There are two types of geo thermal hot springs: 1. Water that has been in contact with magma, as in the Rotorua/Taupo geo-thermal area. These springs are usually at boiling temperature and higher pressure and can cause geysers. 2. Water that has been in contact with hot rocks deep under ground. These usually are at lower temperatures and are not pressurised. The best example of these pools are in Hanmer.
Thankfully, the hot pools at Rapaki are the second of the two types of hot springs and we don't have to worry about our extinct volcano waking up. There have always been these springs here at Rapaki and other sites on and around the Banks Pennisula, but due to the earthquakes Canterbury has sustained since Sept 2010 the flow has increased up to 10 times more than they used to flow. This is to be expected due the to the amount of land movement we have experienced with all the earthquakes (see 'Related Web Page'). Conversely, the land could have closed up these springs and they may have 'popped' up elsewhere. The great thing now it that we do have these here now to be enjoyed.

Access

Coords are supplied for the parking area, there is a 'koha' box (coords supplied) for a gold coin donation for the use of the parking area. There are toilets here too. Proceed to the track start and it's a five minute walk depending on the age of your kids.
To really appreciate and to accurately measure the temperature at the two springs/pools you need to come a low tide (± 2 hours will work too). That is the reason for the terrain being a bit higher due to tidal restrictions. The GZ is the first of the two pools, when we came out here last there wasn't a pool at the GZ but after 10mins of rock and sand moving we had a nice foot bath.

Depending on when you go there can be nothing but a trickle bubbling up or pools already made. This shot is of spring/pool two.

Equipment

  1. Thermometer
  2. Picnic
  3. Togs

Logging

  1. Take a temperature of the pool/spring at GZ, photo of taking reading would be nice (please obscure temperature)
  2. Go to the next pool/spring and take a reading of the temperature and compare the two, send both temperatures to me please.
  3. Where else on and around the Banks Penninsula have these types of pools "appeared"?
  4. Optional, take a photo of you dipping your toes in the pool with your GPSr and upload with your log.
Go ahead and log your visit, this beautiful spot is a family favourite and we've been visiting for the last 4 years and have ventured back for more picnics, swims and memory making. We hope you enjoy this little gem too.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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