Increased steam and gas emissions observed at Whakaari/White Island volcano, New Zealand
Larger steam and gas plumes have been detected at Whakaari/White Island volcano, New Zealand since December 10, 2024. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2 and the Aviation Color Code is maintained at Yellow. No ash emissions have been detected so far.
Satellite image of White Island volcano, New Zealand on December 10, 2024. Credit: CopernicusEU/Sentinel-2, EO Browser, The Watchers
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions over White Island volcano have gradually increased over the past 2 weeks, suggesting the possibility of fresh magma moving closer to the surface.
This activity was followed by steam and gas plumes observed during favorable weather since Tuesday, December 10.
The latest monitoring flight on December 5 recorded no signs of increased volcanic activity. The observed plume consisted of steam and gas with a measured temperature of 150 °C (302 °F), indicative of moderate activity. No fresh ash deposits were identified on the crater floor or across the island.
A new flight is planned to make more precise measurements of gas emissions and monitor potential changes in the crater area.
The Alert Level remains at 2, indicating moderate to heightened volcanic unrest. Level 2, in the GNS Science system of 6 Alert Levels ranging from 0 (no unrest) to 5 (major eruption), indicates “moderate to heightened volcanic unrest.”
White Island is a 294 m (965 foot) stratovolcano and the visible peak of a larger underwater volcano measuring 16 x 18 km (10 x 11 miles). Its southeastern crater faces the sea with recent eruptions occurring about 1 km (0.62 miles) inland.
The island is known for its volcanic activity and cultural significance with occasional phreatic and phreatomagmatic eruptions.
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Some of White Island’s important eruptions include the 2019 eruption (VEI 2), which occurred during a tourist visit and led to many casualties.
Other major eruptions happened in 2016 (VEI 1), 2000 (VEI 3), and a prolonged event from 1986 to 1994 (VEI 3). These eruptions caused changes in the shape of the volcano’s floor and environmental impacts.
References:
1 Whakaari/White Island – GVP – December 12, 2024
2 Larger steam and gas plumes visible at Whakaari. Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2 and Aviation Colour Code at Yellow – GNS – December 12, 2024
Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.
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