vab-whakaari

Ongoing high heat flow from Whakaari/White Island. Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2.

Published: Mon Aug 9 2021 4:00 PM
Volcanic Activity Bulletin
Volcanic Activity BulletinWI - 2021/08
Mon Aug 9 2021 4:00 PM; Whakaari/White Island Volcano
Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2
Aviation Colour Code remains at Yellow

High heat flow and moderate gas flux continue at Whakaari/White Island. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2.

A gas measuring flight, and thermal and visual observations from helicopter were made at Whakaari/White Island last week to bolster our currently degraded automated monitoring systems.

These measurements and observations show that the maximum active vent temperatures remain high at around 520°C. We continue to observe night glow in webcam images.

Moderate levels of Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Sulphur dioxide (SO2) gas were measured in the air downwind of the volcano, similar to those measured on 20th July.

Satellite radar data shows low levels of ground deformation around the active vent and lake area.

The combined interpretation of this information consolidates evidence for a fresh magma intrusion to shallow levels since June 2021. Due to the very steamy conditions at the vent we don’t have any visual observations of fresh lava at the surface. However, our monitoring indicators suggest magma is likely present at very shallow levels.

The current level of activity is consistent with moderate levels of unrest. As such the Volcano Alert Level remains at 2 and the Aviation Colour Code remains at Yellow.

Equipment that provides real-time monitoring on the island is currently degraded and we are continuing to work on restoration options.

Our current monitoring consists of two on-island webcams and one from Whakatane. These cameras provide images every 10 minutes. Realtime seismic monitoring of the island is currently degraded and only provides intermittent data from one out of two stations. On island GNSS ground movement stations continue to operate. We complement these on island measurements with satellite techniques measuring ground movement and large-scale Sulphur dioxide (SO2) gas emissions, along with undertaking regular airborne gas measurements and observation flights.

The Volcanic Alert Level reflects the current level of volcanic unrest or activity and is not a forecast of future activity. While Volcanic Alert Level 2 is mostly associated with volcanic unrest hazards (including discharge of steam and hot volcanic gases, earthquakes, landslides and hydrothermal activity), potential for eruption hazards also exists and eruptions can still occur with little or no warning.

Further information about the volcanic alert levels and what they mean can be found here

GNS Science and the National Geohazards Monitoring Centre continue to monitor Whakaari/White Island for further changes in unrest.

Craig Miller Duty Volcanologist

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