Apr 26 2006, 12:00 pm - Raoul Island Volcano

The ongoing disturbance to the volcano-hydrothermal system at Raoul Island has declined significantly over the last two weeks. Photographs from Raoul Island show that Green Lake reached a maximum level at the end of March, but did not overflow. The lake level is now falling but is still several metres above the pre-eruption level. Hydrothermal activity continues to decrease in the Green Lake crater area.

An area of hot spring flow at Oneraki beach on the north of the island has increased slightly, but temperatures there are within the previously recorded normal range.

During the last week the level of earthquake activity at or close to Raoul Island has declined again and there are now only 1 or 2 earthquakes per day being recorded.

These observations are sufficient for the Scientific Alert Level to be reduced to Alert Level 1.

The Alert Level for Raoul Island changes to Alert Level 1 (signs of volcano unrest).

Brad Scott
Duty Volcanologist