Recent gas flight observations from 7 February show continuing steam and gas plumes emitting from active fumaroles on the west-southwest short of the main lake.
Weekly discharge rates continue at elevated levels comparable to late 2023 observations, but it is not considered to be significant and remain at low-to-moderate values. When atmospheric conditions allow, steam and gas emissions could be seen rising above the island in the webcam. Based on recent observations, there has been no evidence of eruptive activity over the past few months. About gas temperature, a slight decline has been recorded throughout the last year, however, a modest increase to 120 ºC was recorded.
The GeoNet New Zealand continues: „We will continue to make regular observation and gas measurement flights to monitor the status of the island. These are complemented by satellite-based ground deformation data approximately every 10 days, allowing us to observe ground deformation trends. We also get daily satellite-based sulphur dioxide (SO2) emission measurements, although this technique is not as sensitive as our gas measurement flights. Neither of these satellite techniques have detected significant changes in the overall activity at the volcano over the past few months.“
The main Crater Lake remains a lime green color, but the water level is slightly lower and continues to isolate the pond that formed in 2019.
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 13 February 2024