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Transient Magnetic Anomalies accompanying Volcanic Eruptions in New Zealand

Nature volume 224, pages 1289–1290 (1969)Cite this article

Abstract

A VOLCANO magnetic effect associated with the Apri 1968 eruptions of Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand, has been reported already1. We have since observed even more striking magnetic changes associated with the November 1968 eruptions of a second New Zealand volcano, Mount Ngauruhoe. It seems that magnetic changes are normal features of volcanic eruptions. On no occasion when our magnetometers have been operating have there been similar magnetic changes without eruptions or eruptions without magnetic effects. The observations are consistent with an explanation in terms of the piezomagnetic effect of ground stress2 if stresses associated with eruptions are at least 75 kg cm−2. This seems plausible and encourages the continued search for an equally striking seismomagnetic effect3–5.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

    M. J. S. JOHNSTON & F. D. STACEY

Authors
  1. M. J. S. JOHNSTON
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  2. F. D. STACEY
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JOHNSTON, M., STACEY, F. Transient Magnetic Anomalies accompanying Volcanic Eruptions in New Zealand. Nature 224, 1289–1290 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1038/2241289a0

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