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Science & Technology

Real-life Mount Doom could soon erupt again

By T.K. Randall
May 12, 2016 · Comment icon 7 comments

Mordor never looked so pretty. Image Credit: CC BY-SA 3.0 Javier Sanchez Portero
The iconic volcano used in the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy has had its eruption alert elevated.
Known in real-life as Mount Ruapehu, this huge, active volcano is the largest in New Zealand.

Situated within Tongariro National Park, the volcano saw a significant rise in visitor numbers after being used in scenes of Mount Doom in Peter Jackon's epic fantasy movie trilogy.

It has been over six years since it last erupted, but now there are serious indications - including rising temperatures and an increase in gas activity - that it may happen again in the near future.
As a result of this officials have warned tourists to stay away from the region for the time being.

"Ruapehu has been on a level 1 alert for some time, but we had to raise that after the crater zone lake appeared to heat up very rapidly, a significant spike of 20 degrees in two weeks," said New Zealand volcanologist Geoff Kilgour.

"We believe this could develop into a bigger event so we agree that hikers should take advice before travelling to the national park."

Source: Mashable | Comments (7)




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Recent comments on this story
Comment icon #1 Posted by bubblykiss 9 years ago
"We believe this could develop into a bigger event so we agree that hikers should take advice before travelling to the national park." -I took that advice 20 years ago and forswore all exercise whatsoever. Thus far I have not died in a fiery volcanic eruption of unimaginable hellish magnitudes.
Comment icon #2 Posted by Eldorado 9 years ago
-I took that advice 20 years ago and forswore all exercise whatsoever. Thus far I have not died in a fiery volcanic eruption of unimaginable hellish magnitudes. It's usually best not to listen to doomsayers.
Comment icon #3 Posted by freetoroam 9 years ago
I hope any hikers on there now have received this message. Mind you, how difficult could it be not to notice a few rumbles, extra gas, a rise in heat and not think "hmm, maybe its time to head to - get the heck out of here"?
Comment icon #4 Posted by Infernal Gnu 9 years ago
I hope any hikers on there now have received this message. Mind you, how difficult could it be not to notice a few rumbles, extra gas, a rise in heat and not think "hmm, maybe its time to head to - get the heck out of here"? Drop 1 million tons of Pepto Bismol into the volcano. That should fix the rumbles and gas at least. It could also help reduce lava erupting like explosive diarrhea.
Comment icon #5 Posted by Arbenol 9 years ago
On a point of pedantry, all of this area was used for scenes of Mordor in the movies. The conical peak in the middle (Ngaurahoe) was the one used for closer shots of Mt. Doom. Ruapehu is the broad, snow-capped peak in the background.
Comment icon #6 Posted by Michelle 9 years ago
I have always thought it was a good idea to consult the locals on the terrain before exploring.
Comment icon #7 Posted by paperdyer 9 years ago
Maybe "My Precious" is having something to do with it. BTW - *spam filter* works better than Pepto.


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