Whakaari/White Island’s volcanic alert level has been raised to level 3 following evidence of “a gradual increase in eruptive activity” occurring.
According to GeoNet, volcanic ash has been more frequently observed in the volcano’s steam and gas plume by webcams on the island, with “minor amounts” detected using satellites.
“From the coast, this can be seen as a hazy plume trailing downwind from the volcano,” GeoNet said today in a volcanic activity bulletin.
“These observations indicate that there has been a gradual increase in eruptive activity.”
Evidence of “intermittent explosive activity” was also observed by recent observation and gas flights.
“During recent observation flights, we have observed impact craters on the main crater floor, indicating that on occasions, more explosive activity has occurred, ejecting rocks several hundreds of metres away from the vent.
“Explosive events like these are common at Whakaari as active vents grow, periodically become clogged, or gas flux increases.”
Monitoring data from gas flights, thermal InfraRed temperature measurements and sulphur dioxide emissions detected by satellite have all shown “slight increases” in overall volcanic activity and more frequent ash emissions.
“Volcanic ash emissions remain minor and during periods of northerly winds, the plume of gas and ash may be noticed by residents on the coast as sulphur odours.”
Ash was not expected to fall on the Bay of Plenty coastline “at this time”.
The aviation colour code for the island remains at orange.
“The continued presence of volcanic ash emissions mean that the Aviation Colour Code remains Orange. These levels acknowledge the gradually increased volcanic activity but also reflect the increased level of uncertainty.”
GNS Science will continue to monitor the volcano for any changes in activity.
