Volcanic unrest at Ngauruhoe has declined to representative background levels over the past three weeks. The number of volcanic earthquakes recorded near the volcano is now at typical background numbers. No other indicator of unrest has been detected. GeoNet lowered the Volcanic Alert Level to 0 (no volcanic unrest) from Level 1 (minor unrest). It is now three weeks since GeoNet last recorded a slightly unusual number of shallow volcanic earthquakes at Ngauruhoe, indicating volcanic unrest. Furthermore, no anomalous ground temperature or unusual level of gas emission were detected at the summit, during visits, indicating that the minor unrest recently occurring at Ngauruhoe has now ceased. GeoNet accordingly lowered the Volcanic Alert Level to 0 from Level 1. GNS Science continues to closely monitor Ngauruhoe and our other active volcanoes through the GeoNet project The Volcanic Alert Level was raised to Level 1 from Level 0 on March 20 in response to the changes in volcanic earthquake activity. In March, the number of events per day has ranged from 1 to 67, which was similar to previous minor episodes of unrest between 2006 and 2010. The Volcanic Alert Level ranges from 0 to 5 and defines the current status at a volcano. The Aviation Colour Code for Ngauruhoe remains at Green. Aviation Colour Codes are based on four colours and are intended for reference only in the international civil aviation community.

Nico Fournier GeoNet volcano duty officer

Information Contact: Brad Scott Volcanologist 07 3748211