Whakaari / White Island - Dino

Dino

In May 2004 a Dino figurine was glued to a rock in front of the Geonet volcano camera on the island. Geonet decided not to have it removed, assuming it was a plastic toy and would not survive long in the corrosive environment. As of February 6, 2011, the figurine was still present and did not appear visibly degraded.

According to Craig Miller, the GeoNet Volcano Network Coordinator, the environment around the volcano has been relatively benign, even to the point that vegetation has been regrowing since the last eruptions in 2000, which may explain why the toy is still in good condition. Another possible scenario is that the figurine is made out of porcelain and as such would not be affected by any corrosive gasses.

Sometime between July 23 and July 24 2009, the Dino figure was moved to another location on camera.

• The crater lake in 2004

• Aerial view of the crater lake in 2005

• Short video of sulphurous fumarole