Eruptive activity may be on the decline at Whakaari/White Island after close to two months but ash and gas emissions remain variable, volcanologists say.
The island, located 48km offshore from Whakatāne, remains at a Volcanic Alert Level 3 to indicate a minor volcanic eruption.
GNS Science has kept it at this level since an eruption sent ash toward East Cape on August 9, however, observations from a flight on September 24 suggest a decrease in the level of activity occurring at the vent area.
“The volcanic ash emissions are now less constant and less vigorous overall,” duty volcanologist Brad Scott said today in a volcanic activity bulletin.
Ash is still being detected by MetService occasionally, but this is occurring less frequently.
Scott said ash is possibly being detected when wind conditions cause an accumulation in the air close to the island.
“As per the previous weeks, any ashfall on the ground remains confined to the island or near proximity.
“The likelihood of ash fallout on the mainland remains very low.”
Emission of volcanic gases with small amounts of ash continues and is variable through time, Scott said.
“The level of volcanic activity could escalate back to levels seen over the last 4-5 weeks, although this likelihood is low.”
GNS Science continues to closely monitor volcanic activity at Whakaari with remote cameras, satellite imagery and regular flights.