May 6 1996, 1:00 pm - White Island Volcano

For some time now White Island has been showing signs that another eruption episode will occur shortly. In the past 2 - 3 weeks several research and surveillance visits have been made to the island, and observed changes that suggest this eruption is now imminent.

During a visit in mid-April we completed a deformation survey which showed continued uplift of the Donald Mound area. Uplift rates at some pegs had increased, while others continued to rise at the same rates measured for the past 3 years. In the last week significant rises have been recorded at fumaroles about Donald Mound and at Noisy Nellie. Temperatures have risen from just above boiling (105 - 115°C) to over 420°C. These observations taken together indicate that the probability of an eruption starting at White Island is now higher. No eruptive activity has occurred to date hence the Scientific Alert Level remains at 1, but this could quickly change to 2, or higher.

We would remind all interested parties of the GNS science report (95/36) published in October 1995 about the hazards at White Island. This report summarises the hazards, volcano monitoring, historic activity, and eruption types and effects.

The Scientific Alert Level remains at 1, but will be revised if/when eruptive activity starts.

B.J. Scott (for C.J.N. Wilson)
Programme Leader