Further increase in activity at White Island, Volcanic Alert Level raised to 2, Aviation Color Code to Yellow, New Zealand

alert-level-raised-white-island-november-2019

Volcanic unrest continues at Whakaari/White Island and some monitored parameters show further increases in activity. Hazards on the island are now greater than during the past few weeks, forcing authorities to raise the Volcanic Alert Level to 2 and Aviation Color Code to Yellow. The patterns of signals are similar to those through the 2011—2016 period and suggest that the volcano may be entering a period where the eruptive activity is more likely than normal, recent observations can also be explained by the increased gas flux which leads to geysering and lake level changes. Eruptions of steam, gas, mud and rocks can occur with little or no warning.

Over the last several weeks, GNS Science GeoNet scientists observed an increase in the amount of SO2 gas output and volcanic tremor, which increased from weak to moderate strength.

The SO2 gas originates from magma (molten rocks) at depth and the longer-term data from the past few months suggests a possible increase in gas passing through the volcano from depth while the volcanic tremor can occur for many reasons, including the movement of gas through the volcano, changes in the geothermal system, and even surface activity (e.g. geysering). The number or locations of earthquakes beneath or near the island have not changed.

The crater lake level has been rising slowly since early-August and weak geysering-type activity has been observed at the edge of the lake around the active vents on the west side of the crater floor.

Other recent measurements made on the island (gas flow through the ground, fumarole and water chemistry, ground deformation, magnetics, visual images from the web cameras, and earthquake activity) show no significant changes.

"Changes in volcano monitoring parameters like these are common and can be explained by a range of processes occurring inside the volcano and near the surface. Uncertainty about the exact meaning of these changes often arises from the range of possible processes," GeoNet Duty Volcanologist Michale Rosenberg noted.

"Overall, the monitored parameters are just above the expected range for minor volcanic unrest and associated hazards. The patterns of signals are similar to those through the 2011—2016 period and suggest that Whakaari/White Island may be entering a period where the eruptive activity is more likely than normal, recent observations can also be explained by the increased gas flux which leads to geysering and lake level changes."

GNS Science and the National Geohazards Monitoring Centre continues to closely monitor Whakaari/White Island for further signs of activity. Volcanic Alert Level 2 is mostly associated with unrest hazards on the volcano and could include eruptions of steam, gas, mud and rocks. These eruptions can occur with little or no warning.

Further information will be released as soon as it is available.

Geological summary

White Island is a mostly ice-covered volcanic complex at the northern end of the island consisting of two shield volcanoes and overlying pyroclastic cones.

The youngest Potassium-Argon date obtained was 0.17 million years ago and there is no evidence of Holocene activity.

Featured image credit: GNS/GeoNet

Share:

Commenting rules and guidelines

We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect.
  • Stay on topic and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.
  • Do not use abusive or hateful language.
  • Do not spam or promote unrelated products or services.
  • Do not post any personal information or content that is illegal, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *