There has been no change in activity at the volcano after the deep magnitude 5.9 earthquake, that occurred beneath eastern Bay of Plenty on Sunday 24 November.

Gas emissions continue to be high to moderate in the last week, since Monday 18 November, and volcanic tremor remains at moderate levels. There have been few earthquakes near the island.

The crater lake level has not changed for the last week, and gas-driven fountaining activity continues to be observed around the active vents on the west side of the crater floor. This fountaining is regularly throwing mud a few metres into the air at the vent but at current levels does not pose a hazard to visitors.

Overall, the monitored parameters continue to be in the expected range for moderate volcanic unrest and associated hazards. The monitoring observations are similar to those seen in the more active 2011—2016 period and suggest that Whakaari/White Island may be entering a period where eruptive activity is more likely than normal.

The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.

The Aviation Colour Code remains at Yellow.

GNS Science and the National Geohazards Monitoring Centre continues to closely monitor Whakaari/White Island for further signs of activity. Volcanic Alert Level 2 is mostly associated with unrest hazards on the volcano and could include eruptions of steam, gas, mud and rocks. These eruptions can occur with little or no warning.

Agnes Mazot

Duty Volcanologist

Media Contact: 07 – 374 8211 or media@gns.cri.nz