WASHINGTON: Scientists have rediscovered what they claim is the
eighth wonder of the world -- Pink and White Terraces in New
Zealand, which were buried in mud for a 100 years, losing some
charm. Until the late 19th century, the Pink and White Terraces
along Lake Rotomahana on the North Island, attracted tourists
from around the world, interested in seeing beautiful natural
formations created by a large geothermal system. But the
eruption of Mt Tarawera on June 10, 1886, buried the terraces in
sediment and caused the lake basin to enlarge, engulfing the
land where the terraces stood. For more than a century, people
have speculated whether any part of the Pink and White Terraces
survived the eruption. Now, an international team has located
portions of the long-lost Pink and White Terraces, using
autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to map the bottom of Lake
Rotomahana. Team leader Cornel de Ronde of GNS Science in New
Zealand said the scientists were elated by the rediscovery. "The
first sidescan sonar image g