Earth Sciences New Zealand say Whakaari/White Island remains in a low-level eruptive phase as intermittent ash emission from the active vent continues following the two small, low energy eruptions on October 30t
"This is characterised by a steam and gas plume sometimes carrying minor amounts of volcanic ash. The amount of volcanic ash present is minor and often difficult to detect, depending on cloud cover," Duty Volcanologist Paul Jarvis says.
"Between 2 and 6 November, our colleagues at MetService have intermittently detected volcanic ash in satellite imagery. Ash was also observed during overflights on 3 and 4 November. Ash has not been observed since 6 November but cannot be excluded as the island was at times obscured by clouds,"
"We have also observed sulphur dioxide (SO2) in satellite imagery from 1-8 November. These observations are complemented by measurements of an increased amount of SO2 being emitted by the volcano measured by an overflight on 4 November. As wind directions change, the plume may at times be blown towards the Bay of Plenty coast, meaning residents may possibly smell sulphur odours," Jarvis says.
"However, at the current level of activity, there is a very low likelihood of ash falling to the ground (ashfall) at the coast. The level of volcanic activity would have to escalate significantly for this likelihood to increase.
The Volcanic Alert Level for Whakaari/White Island remains at level 3 (minor volcanic eruption) and the Aviation Colour Code remains Orange.
Earth Sciences NZ Volcano Monitoring Group and National Geohazards Monitoring Centre will continue to closely monitor Whakaari/White Island for any changes in activity.
A gas or observation flight will get underway when conditions allow to further assess the status of Whakaari/White Island.
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