World Regions › Pacific › New Zealand

In terms of geology New Zealand is in an active part of the world. Use the Internet to investigate the benefits and risks that accompany moderate level volcanic and other geothermal activity. In particular, look at:

1. Geothermal power generation. How does it work? What are the economic and environmental benefits?
2. Tourism in the Rotorua area and other parts of the North Island. What is the attraction of these geothermal features? Describe them and briefly explain how they form.
   

Present your findings as a report, making use of subheadings. Remember that maps, photos and diagrams can be used to help demonstrate your understanding of this topic. The web addresses below will provide some leads for your investigation:

http://www.gns.cri.nz/what/earthact/volcanoes/index.html
Volcanoes in New Zealand

http://www.geonet.org.nz/
New Zealand earthquake reports

http://iga.igg.cnr.it/index.php
International Geothermal Association: geothermal energy (you'll find New Zealand well represented here, and you could compare Australia with New Zealand).

http://volcano.oregonstate.edu/volcanoes/volc_images/australia/new_zealand
New Zealand’s geothermal features

http://www.waimangu.co.nz/
Waimangu Volcanic Valley (commercial site)

http://volcano.oregonstate.edu/vwdocs/volc_images/img_white_island.html
Observations of volcanic activity on White Island.

http://www.vulcanheli.co.nz/whiteisland.html
White Island volcano. This is a commercial tourist operator’s site. It gives an idea of what draws tourists to the area.