| Title | Effects of Bore Closure at Rotorua, New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Authors | Bradley J Scott, Ashley D Cody |
| Year | 1997 |
| Conference | Japan International Geothermal Symposium |
| Keywords | |
| Abstract | The waning of natural surface activity, in particular the geysers and hot springs at Whakarewarewa, in the late 1970s and early 1980s, prompted a fear that Pohutu and other geysers would soon be lost. Geothermal and hydroelectric development has destroyed most of New Zealand's geysers. Public concerns led to the establishment of a government funded monitoring programme in 1982, resulting in the government-funded enforced closure of many Rotorua wells in 1987. Pressures rose sharply during the bore closure programme in 1987-88 and subsequently have continued to rise gradually. The bore closure programme reduced withdrawal by about 60%. During the period of high geothermal fluid withdrawal the level of natural hydrothermal activity at surface features declined by about 50% and several geysers ceased erupting. Since the enforced closure of bores, some surface features have shown signs of recovery and eruptions have resumed from one geyser. Other features have shown no signs of recovery. |