Heads up for NZ- Ruapehu showing increased likelihood of eruption * Avaiation alert level increased

Pressure is building up in the Crater Lake at Ruapehu, increasing the likelihood of an eruption in the coming weeks, scientists say.

GNS Science said recent measurements taken at Ruapehu over the last few weeks indicated that eruptions were more likely "over the next weeks to months".

GNS Science believed the temperature a few hundred metres beneath the crater was about 800 degrees Celsius but the lake itself was only 20degC.

"This suggests the vent is partly blocked which may be leading to a pressure build-up beneath Crater Lake. A sudden release of the pressure may lead to an eruption."

[link to www.stuff.co.nz]