Characteristics of Cyclic Activity in Frying Pan and Inferno Crater Lakes, Waimangu

Abstract

Frying Pan Lake and Inferno Crater Lake occupy craters formed on 10 June 1886 when a basaltic dike was intruded into the Waimangu area. These lakes are the largest and most spectacular hot springs in New Zealand, and display interrelated cyclic variations over a 38 day cycle. The discharge from Frying Pan Lake varies inversely with the water level of Inferno Crater Lake by 20.2 2.7 litre and has decreased from 122.2to 104.1 litre between 1972and 1990. The temperature also responds to the 38 day cycle, but shows no correlation with dischargevolume. Ambient air temperature strongly influencesthe discharge temperature which ranges annually between 44.3 and with a mean of The lake occupying Inferno Crater fluctuates from overflow to about 8 m below overflow and back to overflow over 38 days. The temperature fluctuates sympathically with the water level in the range 35.0to Four stages are recognised.