Eruption at White Island raises Alert Level to 3 after brief ash plume, New Zealand

A small volcanic eruption occurred at Whakaari/White Island, located approximately 48 km (30 miles) offshore in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty, at 17:35 LT on March 24, producing a dark grey ash plume that rose to about 1 300 m (4 265 feet) above the vent over approximately two minutes.

The event was observed from mainland monitoring cameras at Whakatāne and Te Kaha, and confirmed in satellite data by MetService.

According to GeoNet, the ash plume drifted west following the eruption, and no further activity has been observed. Earth Sciences New Zealand’s Volcano Monitoring Group and the National Geohazards Monitoring Centre raised the Volcanic Alert Level to 3, indicating a minor volcanic eruption, and the Aviation Color Code to Orange.

The eruption consisted of a single, short-lived ash burst without evidence of sustained explosive activity. Ashfall is expected to remain confined to the crater area, and impacts on the mainland are considered unlikely under current conditions.

Recent weeks at White Island have been characterized by minor eruptive activity interspersed with quiet steam emissions. On March 12, 2026, a weak ash emission was observed within a low-level plume above the main vent, prompting authorities to raise the Volcanic Alert Level to 3 and the Aviation Color Code to Orange. That activity produced ashfall confined to the crater floor and was associated with continued volcanic gas emissions.

Observations in early March indicated persistent steam and gas emissions from the active vent without ash or erupted rock. The TropOMI satellite sensor detected sulphur dioxide (SO₂) levels above background values, confirming ongoing degassing. Thermal infrared measurements conducted in February recorded vent temperatures below 100°C (212°F), and small rockfalls on the crater slopes were observed, likely triggered by rainfall.

Hazards associated with the current activity are primarily confined to the crater floor and the immediate vicinity of the island. These include the potential for sudden explosive eruptions, ballistic ejecta, and exposure to volcanic gases. Ash, lava flows, and lahars can affect areas beyond the volcano depending on eruption style, although such impacts are not expected under the present conditions.

Monitoring of the volcano remains limited due to the absence of operational instruments on the island. As a result, monitoring relies on remote cameras, satellite imagery, and periodic observation and gas flights. This limitation reduces the ability to detect subtle changes in activity and increases uncertainty in short-term hazard assessment.

Although eruptive activity has ceased following the event, GeoNet states that volcanic activity could re-escalate with little or no warning. Further sudden and potentially more explosive events could affect the crater floor and the immediate vicinity of the island.

References:

¹ Small eruption at Whakaari/White Island. Volcanic Alert Level raised to 3 and Aviation Colour Code to Orange. – GeoNet – March 24, 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.

This author does not have any more posts.