Mangaturuturu River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mangaturuturu River |
|
|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mount Ruapehu |
| River mouth | Manganui o te Ao River |
| Length | 29 km (18 mi) |
The Mangaturuturu River is a river located in the middle of New Zealand's North Island. It is one of the main streams that feed into the Manganui o te Ao River. The river flows west from the slopes of Mount Ruapehu. It joins with many other small rivers to form the Manganui o Te Ao, about 20 kilometres (12 mi) northwest of Ohakune. This river has also been known by other names, like Sulphur River or Sulphur Creek.
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Exploring the Mangaturuturu River
The Mangaturuturu River is an important waterway in the central North Island of New Zealand. It plays a role in the local environment and has a unique history. Understanding its journey helps us learn about the land it flows through.
Where Does the River Begin and End?
The Mangaturuturu River starts high up on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu. This mountain is a large active volcano. As the river flows, it collects water from many smaller streams. It travels about 29 kilometres (18 mi) before reaching its end. The river eventually joins the larger Manganui o te Ao River. This meeting point is located northwest of the town of Ohakune.
What Are Lahars and How Do They Affect the River?
The Mangaturuturu River is known for experiencing events called lahars. A lahar is a very powerful mudflow or debris flow. It is made of a slurry of volcanic ash, rocks, and water. These flows can happen on the slopes of volcanoes. They are often caused by melting snow and ice during an eruption. Lahars can also occur when heavy rain mixes with loose volcanic material.
Past Lahar Events
The Mangaturuturu River has been affected by lahars several times. In April 1975, a lahar caused the river to rise dramatically. The water level went up by 2.1 m (6 ft 11 in) above its normal flood level. This shows how strong and dangerous these mudflows can be. Other lahars also happened in 1969 and in September 1995. Scientists have found evidence of even older lahars. These occurred around 8,500 and 10,500 years ago. Studying these past events helps us understand the river's history. It also helps us prepare for future natural events.
