Mud Pools--> Rotorua, New Zealand In this area mud accumulates from volcanic ash over a geothermal active area. The heat source from underground heats up the turbid water, which rises towards the surface. This causes the bubbling of mud upwards, sometimes with great force spewing mud all over the place. This is an unstable area that can be very dangerous. The mud here is used for face masks, because it absorbs excess oils and impurities from within the pores, leaving smoother, softer skin. This absorption is due to the clay, which shrinks when it is dry and expands when wet. You could see the steam rising out of the mud, hear the bubbling burp noises, and smell the taint sulfur scent.



Kura Tawhiti Conversation Area--> These towering rocks referred to as Tors underwent long-term chemical weathering and are post glacier landmasses, so they are rather old. They are sedimentary rocks with some horizontal layering present but difficult to really see due to the years of erosion. More specifically these large boulders are remnants made up of limestone. Limestone is more easily corroded in natural acids than other rocks which gives the structures a scalloped rough surface. The boulders are broken by joints where water percolates and erodes, leaving these striking towers that stick out of the ground. The area is also an important site for the Maori people of the New Zealand, leaving rock art throughout the incredible landscape.