White Island volcano (New Zealand): fumarolic activity continues, no significant changes since last update

White Island volcano during the recent observation flight (image: GNS)

The fumarolic activity at the volcano continues and is accompanied by near-constant emissions of steam-laden plumes.
The most recent observation flights confirm the gas and steam leaking from the same vents as usual. No ash emissions have been registered during the investigation.

Following the recent severe weather, the GNS on-site devices (the North rim webcam and Crater Floor GNSS sensor) got broken and are not able to provide useful information. Volcanologists will continue to monitor the volcano by gas and observation flights, though instead. Satellite-based ground deformation data are being obtained approximately every 10 days. The GNS continues: „These are complimented by daily satellite-based Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) emission measurements, although this technique is not as sensitive as our gas measurements during flights. Neither of these satellite techniques have detected significant changes in the overall activity at the volcano over the past few months.“

Both alert levels, the Aviation Color Code and the Volcanic Alert Level remain at Yellow and Level 2.

Source: GeoNet New Zealand volcano activity update 23 May 2023