A 60,000-year-old volcano unexpectedly surfaced after heavy rains.
A 60,000-year-old volcano has unexpectedly emerged after years of being "hidden" underground. This event is attracting particular attention from many volcanologists.
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| The volcano was found at the bottom of the giant crater - Photo: AP |
The volcano was discovered underground on a dairy farm on the North Island – one of New Zealand's two main islands.
The "emergent" volcano originated from a phenomenon of ground fracturing, creating a crater up to 20 meters deep and 200 meters long, which occurred after recent heavy rains in the town of Rotorua.
According to experts, this rain washed away the layers of limestone above. Based on the sediment at the bottom of this "pit," scientists determined that it was once the crater of a 60,000-year-old volcano.
Farm owner Colin Tremain said that sinkholes frequently appear on his farm. However, this is the largest sinkhole ever discovered.
