Photo: AFP / Stephane Godin / Biosphoto
Earth Sciences New Zealand say a swarm of nearly 100 small - relatively deep - earthquakes near Mount Ruapehu have not altered the volcano's alert level.
The earthquakes were observed over two days last week and were mostly centred about 10kms east of Te Wai ā-moe (Ruapehu Crater Lake).
The research organisation said Ruapehu's Volcanic Alert Level remained at 1 - indicating minor volcanic unrest - which could bring about steam and gas discharge, landslides and hydrothermal activity.
They say the quakes' 25km depth suggests they were caused by repeated movement on a fault.
Observations of the lake last month showed sulphur slicks and overflowing consistent with hot fluids flowing into the lake, but its temperature had remained stable at about 12C.
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