Increased heat flow confirms ongoing volcanic unrest at Whakaari/White Island
An observation and thermal infrared (IR) measurement flight has confirmed high temperatures are again present. These are from locations on the 2019 lava extrusions where high temperatures have been recorded before. These observations confirm the source of glow on the web cameras. There is no evidence of eruptive activity. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 1.
Interesting sights from Whakaari/White Island
Residents in the Bay of Plenty, and visitors to our volcano cameras page may have spotted some large plumes from Whakaari/White Island recently, as well as a strange glow on the night cameras. We take a look into the cause of these volcanic sights.
Mt Ruapehu status update: new heating phase starts at the crater lake (Te Wai ā-moe)
Another heating phase has started at Mt Ruapehu. Over the last three months the temperature of the crater lake (Te Wai ā-moe) has cooled from 41°C (12 April 2021) to 20°C (2 July 2021). The turnaround of the lake temperature early July has followed two small volcanic earthquakes and has been accompanied by a higher level of volcanic tremor over the weekend, as is often the case at the start of a heating episode. The Volcanic Alert Level at Mt Ruapehu remains at Level 1.
Update on slow-slip activity on the East Coast
Last month we shared that a slow-slip event was underway off the East Coast near Pōrangahau. That event wrapped up in late May, and our GPS stations further north near Gisborne have since detected another event.
Minor volcanic unrest continues at Whakaari/White Island
Although a short-lived burst of seismic activity occurred on 1 June, volcanic activity at Whakaari/White Island remains at low levels. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 1.
Mt Ruapehu status update: volcanic activity remains at low level, Crater Lake (Te Wai ā-moe) down to 26°C
Following the period of heightened unrest activity in December 2020, volcanic activity at Mt Ruapehu has remained at a low level over the past six months, with gas emissions, lake chemistry and volcanic tremor all within typical ranges. After the December period of high temperatures, Crater Lake (Te Wai ā-moe) cooled then reheated in early April before cooling again now to around 26°C. The Volcanic Alert Level at Mt Ruapehu remains at Level 1.
Slow-slip event off the coast of Pōrangahau
Scientists have been monitoring a slow slip event off the east coast near Pōrangahau that started in the last week of May.
Tech Tales: New tsunami gauge for Christchurch
Following years of planning and preparation, Christchurch’s new tsunami gauge at the New Brighton Pier has been installed.
Minor volcanic unrest continues at Whakaari/White Island
Despite a short-lived burst of activity on 29 April, volcanic activity at Whakaari/White Island remains at low levels. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 1.
Mt Ruapehu status update: volcanic activity remains at low level, Crater Lake (Te Wai ā-moe) at 40°C
Following the period of heightened activity in December 2020, volcanic activity at Mt Ruapehu has since remained at low level over the last three months, with gas emissions, lake chemistry and volcanic tremor all within typical ranges. After a temporary cooling period, the Crater Lake (Te Wai ā-moe) temperature is now back to around 40 °C. The Volcanic Alert Level at Mt Ruapehu remains at Level 1.