Footage from our Whakatane volcano web camera shows ongoing, minor volcanic eruptive activity at Whakaari/White Island. We are seeing intermittent energetic ejections of steam and gas. This is the second day of confirmed activity and, therefore, the Volcanic Alert Level remains at 3 and the Aviation Colour Code at Orange.

Volcanic activity witnessed over the last two days indicates that Whakaari may be entering into an eruptive episode, typified by pulsating periods of energetic steam and gas emissions that may contain minor volcanic ash concentrations. At present, the wind is transporting the steam and gas plume to the north and east away from the mainland.

There are no clear signs that eruptions will become much more energetic, but this could occur with little to no warning. Should future eruptions become larger, producing volcanic ash, and should the wind direction change substantially, it is possible that ash could be dispersed onshore.

As we have no sensors on the island we are currently relying on webcams and satellite imagery to assess the situation. Based on our limited information there have been no clear indications of volcanic ash in the volcanic plumes to date.

GNS Science volcanologists are monitoring the volcano and further information will be released as available. As that information becomes available, we may change the Volcanic Alert Level to reflect the current situation more accurately.

For more information about current monitoring at Whakaari White Island see here.

Yannik Behr Duty Volcanologist

Media Contact: 021 574 541 or media@gns.cri.nz