Eruptive activity declining at Whakaari/White Island. Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 3.
The emission of steam, gas and minor amounts of volcanic ash continues at Whakaari/ White Island but appears to be declining. While significant steam and gas plumes continue to be observed from the Bay of Plenty coast, no major ash emission have been detected from the land or satellite data over the past two weeks. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 3 for now (minor volcanic eruption) and the Aviation Colour Code at Orange.
Web camera images over the last 2 weeks confirm a steam and gas plume from the active vent continues to be visible. But the presence of volcanic ash has been difficult to confirm. Over the same period, our colleagues at MetService have also not detected volcanic ash in the plume using satellite imagery, which suggest that if ash is still being emitted at the volcano, it is in lesser amount than over the previous weeks.
Due to weather, we were unable to complete gas and observation flights, during the last two weeks so have not been able to confirm the status of the active vent on the island and any substantial emission of ash. Satellite data did not record significant amounts of ash in the atmosphere over the same period, but smaller amount of ash could remain undetected by satellites. SO2 gas flux from the active vent at Whakaari/White Island remains moderate.
As conditions allow, we will conduct gas and observation flights to confirm if activity has decreased. Data collected include visual observations of the active vent morphology and activity, gas flux, and vent temperatures. Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions remained monitored by satellite. The Te Kaha and Whakatāne web cameras continue to provide observations of the plumes' status, but local weather conditions may impact how the activity appears from the Bay of Plenty coast.
Overall, steam and gas emissions appear to remain steady as they have been for the past few months, and the level of volcanic ash present may be declining. Due to our lack of on-island monitoring, it is possible that these conditions could change in the short term. Recent activity is consistent with minor yet potentially declining eruptive activity. As a result, the Volcanic Alert Level remains at 3 and the Aviation Colour Code at Orange. These levels acknowledge the ongoing volcanic activity but also reflect some of the uncertainty related to the current low level of monitoring.
GNS Science’s Volcano Monitoring Group and National Geohazards Monitoring Centre will continue to closely monitor Whakaari/White Island for any changes in activity. Without sensors on the Island, our monitoring continues to rely on remote cameras, satellite imagery, and periodic observation and gas flights to monitor Whakaari. We will provide further updates when information becomes available.
Further information about the Volcanic Alert Levels and what they mean can be found here.
For information about the impacts of the steam and gas plume should it reach the coast, follow the advice from:
Agnes Mazot
Duty Volcanologist
Media contact: 021 574541 or media@gns.cri.nz