University of Canterbury sends up response group to observe Tongariro eruption

The University of Canterbury (UC) is this afternoon sending an initial response group to observe the latest volcanic eruption on Tongariro.

UC response team co-ordinator Dr Sam Hampton said they would also map eruption deposits, ash collection and analysis, and observe ash impacts and clean-up.

``The Canterbury University Group for Ash Research (Cougar) will be on the ground on Thursday morning and working closely with GNS Science and Massey University,’’ Dr Hampton said.