Feb 19 2001, 3:30 pm - White Island Volcano

Reports have been received from White Island tour operators that there has been a recommencement of minor ash activity at White Island. Staff from the Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences (GNS) will be visiting White Island tomorrow (Tuesday, February 20th) to make monitoring observations and to further assess the volcano status.

Based on today’s report of a recommencement of minor ash emissions and the current low level of seismic activity the Alert Level at White Island remains at Level 1.

Reports have been received from White Island tour operators that there has been a recommencement of minor ash activity at White Island. A light grey plume of fine ash was observed to extend from MH vent to a height of 1830 m (6000 feet). There is no evidence that larger blocks are being erupted from MH vent. This ash and steam plume is being directed by a 15 knot NNE-NE wind towards the mainland. Fine ash is currently being deposited on and immediately adjacent to White Island but only an acid aerosol cloud can be observed extending onto the mainland in the vicinity of Matata.

Seismicity over the last few days has been characterised by small low frequency volcanic earthquakes (4 - 5 per day). A long duration earthquake sequence was recorded at 5.24 am (February 19). A phase of minor tremor commenced around 5.35 am (February 19) and continued for 5 hours before declining to background levels.

Based on recent reports of ash emission and the current low level of seismic activity the Alert Level at White Island remains at Level 1. Past activity indicates that explosive eruptions, such as that which occurred on 27 July, 2000, could occur with little or no warning, even when the Alert Level is 1. Caution should always be exercised when visiting the island.

Brent Alloway
Duty Volcanologist