Imagine if I told you there’s a volcano in New Zealand surrounded by a perfectly circular forest. You might think it’s the setup for a Miyazaki film, right? However, this is real, and the explanation is quite down-to-earth. Here’s what we know about Mount Taranaki and its famous “Goblin Forest.”
An Enigmatic Forest Visible from Space
Mount Taranaki, also known as Mount Egmont, stands tall on New Zealand’s North Island, reaching an elevation of 2,518 meters. But it’s not just its nearly perfect volcanic cone that catches the eye. What’s truly striking is the peculiar circular forest that clings to its slopes, clearly visible even from space.
Known as the “Goblin Forest,” this dense, dark area is populated with kāmahi and rimu trees. These trees have twisted trunks cloaked in mosses and lichens, appearing as if they’ve leaped straight out of a fairy tale. However, the haunting effect of the forest is not supernatural; these trees grew over the remnants of ancient forests destroyed by past eruptions, which explains their tortured shapes.
A Nearly Perfect Circle… Thanks to Humans
The impressive circular shape of the forest owes thanks, in part, to human intervention. In the 1880s, extensive clearing around the mountain was undertaken to create pastures. However, authorities at the time decided to preserve a ring of forest around the volcano, leading to a sharp demarcation between the wild nature and farmland. Since then, the forest has been protected within the Egmont National Park, one of New Zealand’s first national parks.
An Active Volcano Biding Its Time
Though it last erupted in 1854, Mount Taranaki remains an active volcano. With a 30 to 50 percent chance of a major eruption within the next 50 years, it is under constant surveillance. Its 500-year eruptive cycle, marked by significant collapses, has heavily shaped its current landscape.
Sacred, in the Literal Sense
To the Māori, Mount Taranaki is more than just a volcano; it is an ancestor. In 2017, the mountain was granted the same legal rights as a person, acknowledging its spiritual significance to local communities.
Whether it’s for its unique shape or its sacred status, Mount Taranaki remains a New Zealand icon. And just for clarity: no, there are no goblins needed to make this place fascinating.
Hi, my name is Disha and I’m a passionate writer and editor at “Jason Deegan”. With a keen interest in all things tech, I strive to bring you the latest news and updates from the world of high-tech.