White Island volcano Alert Level raised to 3, New Zealand

A slight increase in volcanic activity was observed at Whakaari / White Island volcano on March 12, after ash was detected within a low-level plume rising from the volcano’s main vent. According to GeoNet, the observation prompted authorities to raise the Volcanic Alert Level from 2 to 3 and the Aviation Colour Code from Yellow to Orange.

Pilot reports and photographs taken near the island confirmed that ash was being expelled in the plume during what scientists described as a weak non-explosive eruption. According to GeoNet, ashfall was observed within the main crater floor, while no significant changes to the vent or ejection of volcanic rocks were detected.

Since late the previous week, steam and gas plumes have been visible from the Bay of Plenty coast. According to GeoNet, small amounts of volcanic sulphur dioxide (SO₂) gas were detected in the atmosphere by the TropOMI satellite sensor, indicating continued volcanic degassing associated with the eruption.

The increase in activity follows a period of low-level unrest reported earlier in the week. On March 10, according to GeoNet, Whakaari remained at Volcanic Alert Level 2 and Aviation Colour Code Yellow after aircraft observations confirmed steam-and-gas emissions from the active vent without evidence of ash or erupted rock on the crater floor.

During that observation period, white plumes were visible from the Bay of Plenty coast, and satellite sensors detected sulphur dioxide levels occasionally above background values. According to GeoNet, these detections represented the first satellite observations of volcanic gas emissions from Whakaari since November 2025.

Thermal infrared measurements conducted during an observation flight on February 10 recorded vent temperatures below 100°C (212°F), according to GeoNet. Scientists also observed small rockfalls on the crater slopes, which were likely triggered by rainfall and were detected both during the flight and in satellite interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) imagery.

Camera views from the GeoNet monitoring sites at Whakatāne and Te Kaha have also shown small low-elevation plumes rising from the volcano. According to GeoNet, these plumes can occasionally appear larger or display brown or grey colours depending on atmospheric conditions.

Scientists assess that the current activity represents a weak eruption producing a low-level ash plume. According to GeoNet, with the current wind direction and forecast conditions over the coming days, minute traces of ash could reach the Bay of Plenty coast, although ashfall on the mainland is expected to be minimal and unlikely to be noticeable at ground level.

Volcanic activity at Whakaari can escalate rapidly with little or no warning, according to GeoNet, particularly due to the volcano’s shallow hydrothermal system. Any escalation would most likely affect the crater floor area and the immediate vicinity of the island.

Monitoring of the volcano remains limited because no real-time monitoring instruments are currently operating on the island. According to GeoNet, scientists therefore rely primarily on remote camera observations, satellite imagery, and periodic aircraft flights to monitor changes in activity.

The lack of on-island monitoring instruments also limits the ability to distinguish between lower alert levels. Without real-time monitoring data, scientists cannot reliably differentiate between Volcanic Alert Level 1 and 2. As a result, the volcano had been maintained at a minimum of Alert Level 2 prior to the eruption until monitoring systems can be reinstated.

Scientists plan to conduct a gas measurement and observation flight when weather conditions permit to assess changes in volcanic gas emissions, including sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Forecast weather conditions over the coming days may reduce the quality of satellite imagery and camera observations, potentially limiting detailed near-island monitoring until conditions improve.

The Volcanic Alert Level will remain at 3 and the Aviation Colour Code at Orange until improved observations allow scientists to reassess activity levels.

Whakaari / White Island lies approximately 48 km (30 miles) offshore in the Bay of Plenty and is New Zealand’s most active cone volcano. Most of the volcanic edifice lies beneath the ocean surface, with only the summit forming the island visible above sea level.

References:

¹ Weak ash plume observed from Whakaari/White Island. Volcanic Alert Level raised to 3 and Aviation Colour Code changed to Orange. – GeoNet – March 12, 2026

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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