GeoNet raised Whakaari/White Island’s volcanic alert to Level 3 after a monitoring flight confirmed a continuous, low-energy ash eruption, signaling increased danger near the New Zealand volcano.
The alert had been at Level 2. GeoNet also raised the Aviation Colour Code from Yellow to Orange following the Oct. 20 flight. Level 3 denotes a minor eruption.
The flight found ash around the active vent and in a plume of steam and gas, but no evidence of an explosive eruption. Thermal-camera readings showed the measured discharge temperature had risen from about 100°C the previous week to about 395°C.
GeoNet said in its Oct. 21 bulletin that it had received no reports of ash affecting mainland New Zealand. A more explosive event could occur with little warning, it said, threatening people on the crater floor and immediately offshore to the southeast.
Whakaari/White Island lies about 48 kilometers off New Zealand’s North Island. With monitoring instruments on the island out of service, GeoNet relies on mainland and satellite observations, supplemented by nearby flights. MetService’s Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre is assessing possible effects on aviation.
GeoNet said the activity resembles earlier eruptive cycles and could last weeks. Nearby aircraft and vessels could face inconvenience. GeoNet said it would provide further updates when new information becomes available or the volcano’s status changes.
