Real-life Mount Doom could soon erupt again - Unexplained Mysteries
The iconic volcano used in the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy has had its eruption alert elevated.
Known in real-life as Mount Ruapehu, this huge, active volcano is the largest in New Zealand.
Situated within Tongariro National Park, the volcano saw a significant rise in visitor numbers after being used in scenes of Mount Doom in Peter Jackon's epic fantasy movie trilogy.
It has been over six years since it last erupted, but now there are serious indications - including rising temperatures and an increase in gas activity - that it may happen again in the near future.
As a result of this officials have warned tourists to stay away from the region for the time being.
"Ruapehu has been on a level 1 alert for some time, but we had to raise that after the crater zone lake appeared to heat up very rapidly, a significant spike of 20 degrees in two weeks," said New Zealand volcanologist Geoff Kilgour.
"We believe this could develop into a bigger event so we agree that hikers should take advice before travelling to the national park."
- See more at: Real-life Mount Doom could soon erupt again - Unexplained Mysteries
The iconic volcano used in the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy has had its eruption alert elevated.
Known in real-life as Mount Ruapehu, this huge, active volcano is the largest in New Zealand.
Situated within Tongariro National Park, the volcano saw a significant rise in visitor numbers after being used in scenes of Mount Doom in Peter Jackon's epic fantasy movie trilogy.
It has been over six years since it last erupted, but now there are serious indications - including rising temperatures and an increase in gas activity - that it may happen again in the near future.
As a result of this officials have warned tourists to stay away from the region for the time being.
"Ruapehu has been on a level 1 alert for some time, but we had to raise that after the crater zone lake appeared to heat up very rapidly, a significant spike of 20 degrees in two weeks," said New Zealand volcanologist Geoff Kilgour.
"We believe this could develop into a bigger event so we agree that hikers should take advice before travelling to the national park."
- See more at: Real-life Mount Doom could soon erupt again - Unexplained Mysteries
