In 1988/89 there was a Civil Defence exercise based on a scenario that Rangitoto suddenly erupted. The Armed forces, Police, and Fire (with CD) were tasked with evacuating Devonport and Belmont and transporting these "volunteers" to Whenuapai and Papakura with all the assets the Armed Forces had to complete this exercise. To make mattes worse the Auckland Harbour Bridge was damaged and evacuees had to go via Greenhithe Bridge.
So a little investigation finds this information. To all 5 Auckland Iwi - Rangitoto means "Bloody Sky". If Maori call it Bloody Sky they must have seen it erupting. Science states she last erupted 600 years ago. It's highly likely she will erupt again and is New Zealand ready for that eventuality?
600 years ago is circa 1500 AD - the 16th Century and Maori were well and truly here then. Plenty of archaeological evidence around to prove that. The last of the moa were gone by then.
ReplyDeleteIt's not if, but when Rangitoto will erupt, and most of the Auckland volcanic field aren't explosive eruptions like the Taupo volcanic zone, but more of an oozing eruption because there is less gas in the magma.
Thanks for that, went back to my source document and saw it said 600 years ago not 600AD, Which ties in with my previous knowledge as 400 years ago.
DeleteNo probs. Bad math on my part - not enough squirt, LOL. Should be: 600 years ago is circa 1400 AD - the 15th Century. Put it down to old age and senility.
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