The eighth natural wonder of the world could have been rediscovered after spending 131 years buried by the eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886. Mount Tarawera is an active volcano located on the North Island of New Zealand that after that day buried one of the most acclaimed tourist destinations of the time: the Pink and White Terraces of New Zealand. At the end of the eruption, it is estimated that the volcano released as much energy as the largest nuclear weapon ever detonated.
The Pink and White Terraces of New Zealand were considered the eighth natural wonder of the world and were located on the edge of Lake Rotomahana. Its location, quite inaccessible for the time, led the public to embark on trips of several months by sailing boat to enjoy this wonder of nature.
Known as the source of the cloudy sky (for the pink color) and the tattooed rock (for the white color), this rock formation in the shape of stepped terraces was formed by the slow accumulation of silica-rich sediments from some fairly ancient geothermal springs. .
Now, two researchers believe they have located them 15 meters below the surface and buried under layers and layers of mud and ash thanks to field notes – and not on an actual map – by 19th century geologist Ferdinand von Hochstetter detailing the exact location of the site before the eruption. His work has been published in The Journal of New Zealand Studies.
Are these legendary terraces still standing?
According to their analysis, the terraces were divided into three parts and arguing that the margin of error they handle is only 35 meters, they have asked the authorities to start a geological expedition to help confirm whether or not they are right and it is there. the mysterious eighth natural wonder.
The truth is that for a long time experts have thought that perhaps – despite the fatal eruption – they can be preserved intact at the bottom of the lake. Is it so? We will find out soon.
Reference: Te Tarata and Te Otukapuarangi: Reverse engineering Hochstetter’s Lake Rotomahana Survey to map the Pink and White Terrace locations. The Journal of New Zealand Studies.
ojs.victoria.ac.nz/jnzs/article/view/3988/3555
