New Zealand:

Rotorua Geyser 'Waking Up' (3 News)

Scientists are excited by signs of life at a Rotorua geyser that's been dormant for nearly four decades. They say it's proof a controversial bore closure program was necessary to rejuvenate geothermal activity in the area.

The Papakura Geyser in Rotorua's Te Whakarewarewa Valley has been dormant for almost 35 years but last month scientists observed bubbling water and a small series of eruptions of up to one meter high.

It's only steam and high temperatures, but for GNS scientist Brad Scott any signs of activity are exciting news." If the heat flow continues increasing, we may well see it erupting like it used to," he says.

It was active until 1979 and was consistently in eruption, but extensive hot water draw off from private and commercial bores in the area led to a decrease in geothermal activity.

The drop in geothermal activity led to a bore closure program in the 1980s - it was opposed by many - but scientists say they feel vindicated now that the Papakura Geyser is waking up.

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