Large mud volcano

 

This mud volcano is one of New Zealand’s largest and has remained active for over a decade of observations. Standing roughly seven meters tall with a crater spanning three to four meters, its dimensions are dynamic, fluctuating through periods of growth and collapse. During dry spells, the volcano’s walls desiccate and fracture, weakening its structure and contributing to these changes in size.

Mud volcanoes form through the slow, continuous extrusion of mud, sediments, and pressurised gases from deep within the Earth’s crust. Over time, these materials build up, creating conical structures resembling miniature volcanoes. The white color observed in this particular mud volcano is primarily attributed to its mineral composition, likely rich in light-colored minerals like kaolinite.