Vertical Deformation Monitoring by Periodic Water Level Observations, Lake Taupo, New Zealand

A system of monitoring lake levels to detect earth deformation has been developed at Lake Taupo, New Zealand. By using a low cost, portable gauge and taking basic precautions, relative height changes of comparable accuracy with those obtained by precise levelling can be quickly determined. This system may have worldwide applications for similar lakes in volcanically or tectonically active areas.