The activity appears to have been most active from around 1 to 3 pm and has since diminished. Satellite data shows that the plume appears to have contained a minor amount of volcanic ash. As a result of these observations, the Volcanic Alert Level has been raised to Level 3 (minor eruption) and the Aviation Colour Code has been raised to Orange.

Earlier this afternoon, the relatively clear skies above Whakaari allowed for good quality observations of Whakaari and from ~ 1pm, the volcano started producing a plume carrying a low concentration of volcanic ash. The current wind direction is from the west, resulting in ash being dispersed ENE of the island, towards the northern end of East Cape.

Without sensors on the island, we continue to rely on remote cameras and satellite imagery and because of this, short-term changes in activity are difficult for us to identify. Changes in activity could occur at short notice, and for now, we expect the eruptive activity to diminish over the coming hours.

Whakaari is currently experiencing a period of elevated unrest and short-lived steam and ash emissions could continue for some time. We will provide an update on Monday, or earlier should there be any significant change in activity over the weekend.

GNS Science’s National Geohazards Monitoring Centre and Volcano Monitoring Group, through the GeoNet programme, will continue to closely monitor Whakaari/White Island for further changes in unrest.

Further information about the Volcanic Alert Levels and what they mean can be found here.

More information on the recent minor eruptions can be found here.

Geoff Kilgour

Duty Volcanologist

Media contact: 021 574541 or media@gns.cri.nz