Whakaari Volcano

Whakaari/White Island: Alert Level lowered to Level 1

Published: Mon Sep 19 2016 11:00 AM
Volcanic Activity Bulletin
Volcanic Activity Bulletin WI 2016/12
Mon Sep 19 2016 11:00 AM; Whakaari/White Island Volcano
Volcanic Alert Level is lowered to 1
Aviation Colour Code remains at Yellow

No further sustained eruptive activity has been observed at Whakaari/White Island. As a consequence the Volcanic Alert Level has been lowered to Level 1. The Aviation Colour code remains Yellow.

Observations over the weekend suggest no further sustained ash emissions have occurred from the active vents. Occasionally images on the web camera indicate very minor amounts of ash may be present in the steam plumes, but this has not been confirmed. Such intermittent appearance of ash is likely due to shedding of debris on the fumarole walls and may be expected to continue. The seismic and acoustic activity remains low, and the gas flux from the island has not changed substantially during this minor activity.

Although Tuesday’s eruption has ceased, Whakaari/White Island is always capable of a new eruption at any time, without prior warning. GeoNet continues to monitor the volcano for possible renewed activity.

Brad Scott Duty Volcanologist

Media Contact: Brad Scott Volcanologist

Phone 07 3748211