MEDIA ALERT 3 April 2007

Auckland Museum Reveals The Secrets Of The Earths Crust

Starting this evening, Auckland Museums Volcanoes Lecture Series focuses on the impact that volcanoes can have on the lives of humans - something which NZ has received two powerful reminders of in the last 6 weeks.

The first was the earthquake that hit Auckland on the 21st of February, the size of which hadn't been experienced by the region since 1970. Only 25 days later the central North Island became the focus of the nation when 1.3 million cubic metres of water and volcanic mud burst from Mt Ruapehu's crater lake in a massive lahar that closed the desert road and stranded hundreds of motorists.

Running in conjunction with the permanent VOLCANOES gallery the Auckland Museum lecture series covers the eruption of Mt Tarawera, The Ruapehu Lahar, White Island, Raoul Island and Pompeii.

Of special public interest will be Dr Vernon Manville's lecture on the mighty Lahar on Thursday 5 April at 7.30 pm. Ruapehu's recent lahar is perhaps one of the most anticipated and best studied of volcanic events in the world and created much public attention.

Auckland Museum, with support from EQC, the Earthquake Commission, is proud to present a dynamic permanent natural history exhibition: Volcanoes.

This exhibition and lectures series demonstrates another way that The Auckland Museum continues to develop as a living entity, communicating directly to a wide public audience about issues and happenings in contemporary NZ society.

Daily 10am - 5pm at The Volcanoes Gallery (Western side), Level One
FREE with admission donation

All lectures (details below are at 7.30pm in the Auditorium)

Volcano programme

This year the programme will focus on the impact of volcanoes on the lives of humans. Three lectures will cover a combination of Mt Tarawera, White Island and Raoul island. Two field trips will take you to Rangitoto and a Lava Cave under Three Kings.

Volcano Lectures

3,5,11,18 April at 7.30 pm

All lectures start at 7.30 pm in the Apec Room. The Volcanoes exhibition is open from 6.30 pm prior to the lecture. Bookings are required, phone 09 306 7048. The costs are $10 for adults and $5 for members.

Eruption of Tarawera - Tuesday 3 Apri at 7.30 pm by Prof Ron Keam of the University of Auckland. This presentation about the Tarawera eruption and its devastating impact on the local Maori of the region includes a short talk by Kipa Rangiheuea on some of the plans for new tourism developments in the area.

Ruapehu Lahar - 2007 - Thursday 5 April at 7.30 pm by Dr Vernon Manville of GNS Science. The recent lahar on Ruapehu is perhaps one of the most anticipated and best studied of volcanic events in the world. The amount of data collected and the planning that went in to trying to ensure that people and property were safeguarded was extensive. Dr Manville has a had a long time to study this mountain since first arriving in the area during the ash eruptions of 1995. This talk will give us a unique opportunity to learn from one of those intrepid scientists who study one of nature's most dangerous situations at very close range.

White Island and Raoul Island - Wednesday 11 April at 7.30 pm by Volcanologist Brad Scott. Brad Scott is a volcanologist with 33 years experience in monitoring and assessing active volcanoes, geothermal systems and earthquake activity. He started work with the NZ Geological Survey DSIR in Rotorua, then worked for DSIR Geology and Geophysics, and has been with the Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences (GNS) since1991. He has been involved in a wide range of geological and geophysical investigations related to active volcanoes, geothermal systems and earthquakes, mostly involving monitoring, hazard assessment and rapid event response. Since 1992 he has taken the lead role in coordination of volcano surveillance in New Zealand. The focus of this talk are two well known NZ island volcanoes both of which have a fascinating history.

Pompeii - Wednesday 18 April at 7.30 pm by Frances Billot. Frances Billot has tutored for a variety of courses in the Department of Classics & Ancient History, and taught courses for CCE over a number of years. She is currently enrolled for a PhD in the Department of Classics & Ancient History. The story of Pompeii has fascinated people ever since its catastrophic eruption. Orators from across the water were driven to dramatic poetic descriptions and legendary heroic rescues, and the devastation to the city impacted on the civilization of the time. Centuries later modern archaeologists unearthed history frozen in time and have been able to lay open a great civilization and brought the legendary story to life. Join Frances Billot to find out more about this topic and to have a visual virtual tour though the ruins.

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