Sep 12 1995 - White Island Volcano

Update

Since 1976 White Island has been New Zealand's most active volcano. In that time there have been numerous explosive eruptions, prolonged periods of ash emission, and occasional rock falls and ground collapses. From mid-1992 to the present, the volcano has been relatively quiet.

However, a long-running, detailed surveillance programme coordinated by the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences shows that ground surface deformation within Main Crater is now occurring. The amount of uplift since 1991 is similar to that which preceded the 1976 - 1982 eruptions, but the rate of uplift is slightly higher. We believe that White Island may soon commence another significant eruptive episode, and consider that now is an appropriate time to emphasise the risks faced by people who visit the island.

The combination of eruptive activity and the ever-present dangers from hot ground and volcanic gases make the Main Crater of White Island a hazardous place. Any activities undertaken ashore should be designed to lessen the risk.

Alert Status

In terms of the revised (August 1995) Volcano Alert System, we now advise the Alert Status for White Island is at Level 1, being raised from Level 0.

C.J.N. Wilson
Volcanology Programme Leader

B.J. Scott
Volcano Surveillance Manager