Rising temperature at Ruapehu’s Crater Lake, New Zealand

Rising temperature at Ruapehu’s Crater Lake, New Zealand

Recent activity at New Zealand’s Ruapehu volcano has shown an increase in the temperature of the summit Crater Lake, known as Te Wai ā-moe, rising to more than 30 °C (86 °F) and consistent with heat flow into the lake of about 150-200 MW. Despite this, the level of volcanic unrest activity remains low, with monitoring indicators remaining within the normal range for this type of activity. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 1 and the Aviation Color Code remains Green, indicating a low risk of eruption.

Brief period of strong volcanic tremor under Ruapehu, New Zealand

Brief period of strong volcanic tremor under Ruapehu, New Zealand

A brief period of strong volcanic tremor was recorded over the weekend at Ruapehu volcano, New Zealand. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2. An eruption at the volcano may occur at any level, and levels may not move in sequence as activity can change rapidly.

Heightened volcanic unrest continues at Ruapehu with high volcanic gas output, strong tremor and steam plumes

Heightened volcanic unrest continues at Ruapehu with high volcanic gas output, strong tremor and steam plumes

High levels of volcanic gas emissions and strong volcanic tremor continue at New Zealand’s Ruapehu volcano. The Crater Lake (Te Wai ā-moe) temperature has risen to 41 °C (105.8 °F) and steam plumes can be observed in cold, still atmospheric conditions. The volcano is still at a heightened level of unrest. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2, with greater chances of eruption over the next four weeks than at Volcanic Alert Level 1.

Steam plume visible at Ruapehu volcano, New Zealand

Steam plume visible at Ruapehu volcano, New Zealand

A steam plume was seen above Ruapehu’s Crater Lake at around 09:45 LT on May 3, 2022 (21:45 UTC on May 2). No seismic or acoustic activity accompanied the plume appearance, indicating the steam plume was not generated by strong activity in the lake.

Strong volcanic tremor continues at Ruapehu, New Zealand

Strong volcanic tremor continues at Ruapehu, New Zealand

The elevated volcanic unrest continues at New Zealand’s Ruapehu volcano, with strong volcanic tremor and the Crater Lake (Te Wai ā-moe) temperature now stabilized at 37 °C (98.6 °F) for the past week. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2 and the Aviation Color Code at Yellow.

Elevated volcanic unrest at Mt. Ruapehu, CO2 output now 2nd highest ever recorded, New Zealand

Elevated volcanic unrest at Mt. Ruapehu, CO2 output now 2nd highest ever recorded, New Zealand

ls of volcanic unrest continue at New Zealand’s Ruapehu volcano. This is primarily manifested as strong volcanic tremor, slowly rising Crater Lake (Te Wai ā-moe) temperatures and high gas outputs. These changes indicate magma may now be driving the unrest, increasing the chances of further activity. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.