Larger steam and gas plumes with intermittent ash emissions at Whakaari. Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2 and Aviation Colour Code is raised to Orange.
Whakaari / White Island is currently emitting larger steam and gas plumes. Occasional passive emission of volcanic ash has been observed. The volcano is not actively erupting but the current activity could be leading to a new eruptive episode. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2 and the Aviation Colour Code is raised to Orange.
During a routine gas measurement flight on December 14, the emissions from the active vent changed and include more volcanic ash than when measurement started an hour earlier. The results from the gas flight along with satellite observations, show a general increase in sulphur-dioxide (SO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the volcano. These are taken together to indicate a new eruptive episode maybe starting.
During the gas measurement flight on 14 December, we observed minor volcanic ash emissions and an increase in gas emission rates. On 10 December, a larger steam and gas plume was also visible above Whakaari. This was evident on our webcams at Whakatāne and Te Kaha as well as on satellite imagery. When the weather allows, a larger plume can sometimes be seen from the Bay of Plenty coast above the island. The observations during the gas flight are the only signs of volcanic ash in the plume to date. Ash emission has not been visually noted from our webcams, or via Metservice’s analyses of satellite imagery.
Without sensors on the island, we continue to rely on remote cameras and satellite imagery to monitor Whakaari. The changes in activity and what we observed from May to September suggest fresh magma is driving a change in activity. To date only very minor ash emissions have been noted near and on the island. We are planning an observation flight to make more observations and monitor potential changes in the crater area.
Image of Whakaari White Island on 14 December 2024 taken during the gas measurement flight. Showing the volcanic ash emission from the active vent and the gas and steam plume drifting down wind.
Recent activity is consistent with moderate-heightened unrest and the Volcanic Alert Level therefore remains at Level 2 and the Aviation Colour Code is raised to Orange. These levels acknowledge the current level of activity but also reflect the degree of uncertainty about the level of unrest due to the current lack of consistent, usable real-time monitoring data. The level of volcanic activity could escalate back to levels seen earlier in the year and the volcano can erupt with little or no warning.
GNS Science’s Volcano Monitoring Group and National Geohazards Monitoring Centre will continue to closely monitor Whakaari/White Island for any changes in activity. 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