Jul 27 1996, 11:00 am - White Island Volcano

Moderate amplitude volcanic tremor commenced at White Island at ca. 18:00h NZST on Friday 26 July and is continuing at the time of writing. A period of low-amplitude volcanic tremor was recorded between 01:00 and 03:00 on July 26, but prior to that the last significant seismic activity was an earthquake sequence on July 7. Volcanic tremor at White Island often is related to shallow volcanic activity such as the minor eruption of ash and mud from fumaroles or small volcanic vents or can also be related to sub-surface movement of gas or magma without any surface eruptive activity.

Institute staff last visited White Island on Wednesday July 24. They observed the continuing effects of high heat flow observed over recent months, but no other unusual effects. No reports of eruptive activity have been received.

We advise the Alert Level remains at 1.

Steve Sherburn

Colin Wilson