May 11 1999, 12:30 pm - White Island Volcano

Summary

The island was visited on Monday May 10. No explosive eruptions have occurred since April 17. The level of emission from PeeJay vent has significantly declined, while the emission from the new vent east of it has increased significantly. Neither vent was emitting ash on Monday.

The likelihood of explosive eruptions with little or no warning remains high.

Observations

A white steam and gas plume was rising 500 - 700 m, travelling north-east. Local winds were 10 - 18 knots from the south-west, backing south during the day. The steam and gas plume was being fed by emissions from PeeJay Vent and the new vent to the east of PeeJay. The emissions from the new vent were the stronger. There was no evidence of any eruptive activity from either of these vents. The steam and gas plume was forming acid rain, making conditions unpleasant under the plume and near the edge of 1978/90 Crater Complex.

The yellow/green lakelet within Metra Crater has enlarged and flooded into the northern embayment of this crater. There is no evidence of any further explosive activity from Metra Crater.

Brad Scott
Volcano Surveillance Manager