Eruption may be declining at Whakaari/White Island but gas and ash emissions remain variable. Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 3 and Aviation Colour Code at Orange.
Observations from an overflight, images from GeoNet cameras and satellite imagery combined, suggest that minor eruptive activity Whakaari/White Island may be declining. Minor ash emission does continue but seemingly at lower levels than in the past few weeks.
Observations from an observation flight on 24 September 2024 suggest the level of activity from the vent area has decreased. The volcanic ash emissions are now less constant and less vigorous overall. Ash is still being detected occasionally by Metservice but less frequently, and possibly mostly when the wind conditions cause the ash to accumulate in the air locally, near the island. The height of the ash plume sometimes reaches to 1 km above 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. With clear views, GeoNet cameras at Whakatāne and Te Kaha continue to record volcanic plumes.
These observations are consistent with ongoing volcanic activity, now in a less vigorous state. Minor eruptive activity does continue. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 3 (minor eruption) and the Aviation Colour Code remains at Orange.
Figure 1. Images of the gas and ash plume at Whakaari/White Island on 24 September (B. Scott) Ash fall from the plume was only noted near the island.
Our observations and data indicate a decline in eruption activity has occurred over the last 7 days. Emission of volcanic gases with small amounts of ash continues and is variable through time. With changing wind directions, MetService advise us and the aviation industry that there is sometimes a chance that the plume will be blown towards the Bay of Plenty and East Cape coast. The level of volcanic activity could escalate back to levels seen over the last 4 –5 weeks, although this likelihood is low.
GNS Science’s Volcano Monitoring Group and National Geohazards Monitoring Centre will continue to closely monitor volcanic activity at Whakaari with remote cameras, satellite imagery, and regular monitoring flights. We will provide 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 or volcanic ash should it reach the coast, follow the advice from:
Brad Scott Duty Volcanologist
Media contact: 021 574541 or media@gns.cri.nz