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The volcanic alert level for Whakaari / White Island has been raised to level 2.
New observations this week show that small amounts of volcanic ash are carried in the steam and gas plume at Whakaari / White Island and deposited on the island’s webcams.
After a period of severe wet weather, scientists completed a gas monitoring and observation flight over Whakaari / White Island on Thursday. A few occasional deposits had been observed on some of the islands’ web cameras, and a darker column than usual was also reported on occasion from the mainland.
The Whakaari / White Island Crater Rim Webcam showing deposits
Observations during the flight confirmed the presence of some fine material (ash) in the column. The fine particles originate from the main steam vent at the back of the crater lake. Initial analyzes of the ash particles suggest that it is loose material from around the underlying vent or duct carried by the emission of vapor and gas.
“While gas production observed Thursday is higher than recent observations, other monitoring parameters show no significant changes,” says a GNS Science spokesperson.
“The volcanic alert level is now raised to level 2 in response to these observations of vent activity and monitoring data.”
Observations from the flight show that there are no substantial changes in the location and size of the active vents. The rain has formed a pool of water on the floor of the 1978/90 crater, re-forming a shallow lake.
During the past week, a small sequence of earthquakes was located near the volcano and we had several episodes of slightly increased volcanic tremor. Neither of these observations is unusual for Whakaari / White Island and it is unclear whether they coincide with the incorporation of material in the column.
The island’s volcano erupted on December 9, 2019, leaving 21 people dead the following day or weeks.
Two bodies have never been recovered from the island. Another 26 were injured, most with long roads to recover.
GNS Science says that during good weather conditions, moderate to large plumes of gas vapor will be seen rising over the island and blown off by the wind.
“Some of the particles can be carried a few kilometers downwind, but they are unlikely to reach the continent. If some explosive activity produces a significant ash cloud, the probability of the ash affecting the continent remains very low. The column of gas and vapor can be felt on the continent as a weak acid rain. “
Vent changes that resulted in minor ash emissions have not been observed at Whakaari / White Island in 2020, say GNS scientists and indicate a higher level of surface distress.
“Currently there are no indications of a substantial change in the general behavior of the volcano. The main plausible triggers for a sudden eruption with little or no warning remain the collapse of unstable material into an active vent and the possible entry of groundwater into the shallow magma body, ”says a GNS Science spokesperson.
“In general, recent observations are consistent with moderately intensified volcanic disturbances and therefore the Volcanic Alert Level is raised to Level 2 and the Aviation Color Code to Yellow.
“The volcanic alert level reflects the current level of volcanic upheaval or activity and is not a forecast of future activity.”
Volcanic Alert Level 2 indicates that the main hazards are those expected during volcanic disturbances; steam discharge, volcanic gas, earthquakes, landslides, and hydrothermal activity. While volcano alert level 2 is primarily associated with environmental hazards, eruptions can still occur with little or no warning.
GNS Science and our National Geohazard Monitoring Center continue to closely monitor Whakaari / White Island continuously for changes in activity. More updates will be provided as needed.
