Crown Park Thermal Area, Taup?: Taking a Pulse

Abstract

Regular, ongoing monitoring of surface thermal features gives an insight into the health and sustainability of the underlying geothermal resource. Data collected over the long-term in particular, can provide invaluable information about sub-surface conditions as the resource is utilised. Time and budgetary restraints have precluded monitoring at many of the publically-owned thermal features in the Taup? area.
Crown Park thermal area is one of several active surface thermal features located in Taup? that is not regularly monitored. The thermal area is located within a public park near the south-western resistivity boundary of the Tauhara Geothermal Field, and comprises multiple, intermittently active fumaroles.
As part of the ‘Our Geothermal Area’ pilot project—a joint science education initiative with GNS Science—a group of Taup?-nui-a-Tia College students commenced monitoring of the Crown Park thermal feature in March 2016. Monitoring activities include: measuring temperature-depth soil profiles along three transect lines across the thermal area, quantifying fumarole activity, including steam and soil temperatures and gas composition, and measuring ambient conditions. Relevant data from a nearby weather station is also recorded.
At the time of writing, preliminary data show marked variations in shallow ground temperatures and fumarole gas concentration levels that appear to be related to local anomalous weather events. Continued data collection over the ensuing months / years will provide further insights into the status and behaviour of this thermal feature.
The long-term goal for the ‘Our Geothermal Area’ initiative is for all Taup? high school students to be involved in monitoring the public-owned active thermal features around Taup?, where it is safe to do so. All data collected by the students will be available on a public-access database, currently being developed by GNS Science.