A volcano quiet for more than a century erupted in a New Zealand national park, spreading thick ash for several miles and causing some residents to evacuate their homes. Some domestic flights were cancelled Aug. 7.
Steam spills from Mt Tongariro after the mountain erupted for the first time in over 100 years on August 8, 2012 in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand. Mt Tongariro erupted intermittently from 1855 to 1897. Although not an immediate threat to the community, the latest eruption may be the beginning of weeks, months or even years of volcanic activity.

A motorist is surrounded by a cloud of ash on state highway one after Mt Tongariro erupted for the first time in over 100 years on August 7, 2012 in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand. Mt Tongariro erupted intermittently from 1855 to 1897. Although not an immediate threat to the community,

Ash from New Zealand's Mount Tongariro covers farmland in this still image taken from video, August 7, 2012. A New Zealand volcano dormant for more than a century has spewed boulders and spread an ash cloud over the center of the country, disrupting air traffic but causing no other damage or injuries. Mount Tongariro, one of three volcanic peaks in the central North Island, roared into life late on Monday night, as craters on the mountain located in a national park near popular hot springs, exploded with bright flashes and thunderous booms. 

Plants and rocks were also covered in ash