White Island volcano (New Zealand): volcanic unrest continues with summit vent temperature rise

Summit vent area at White Island volcano on 10 December (image: GeoNet)

The GeoNet volcano observatory did their regular visual and temperature measurement flights last week.

Summit vent area maximum temperature reached 516°C. During September-November 2021 temperatures ranged from 202°C to 264°C. Temperatures over 500°C were last measured in July-August 2021.

Small amounts of ash continue to be observed. These ash deposits remain limited to areas close to the active vents. Further intermittent ash emissions may continue to occur. There was no evidence of further ash or liquid emissions from the vent near the base of the 2019 landslide area. Gas emissions appeared lower but have not been quantified since 18 November 2021.

Volcanic Alert Level remains at level 2 and the Aviation Colour Code remains at Yellow.

Source: GeoNet New Zealand volcano activity update 13 December 2021