Whakaari Emissions Stable as Vent Temperature Drops
- Holly Grundy
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
Recent monitoring by Earth Sciences New Zealand (formerly GNS and NIWA) shows that emissions from Whakaari / White Island remain steady, with no signs of volcanic ash.
Observation flights, along with data from GeoNet cameras and satellite imagery over recent weeks, confirm that only steam and gas emissions are occurring. No ash has been detected.
MetService has also confirmed that no volcanic ash plumes have been observed via satellite.
These findings suggest there has been no significant change in the active vent configuration.
Notably, Whakaari’s vent temperatures have decreased significantly. Temperatures dropped from 465°C on 6 May to 107°C on 24 June.
Volcano Information Specialist Brad Scott said the Earth Sciences New Zealand team recorded three strong bursts of steam and gas, producing plumes up to 500 meters high over the island.
"No ash emissions were observed at these times," said Scott. "During the observation flight, we saw evidence of fresh impact craters near the active vents, but the timing of their formation is unknown."
Scott said the team will continue gas measurements and observation flights as conditions allow. Web cameras based in Te Kaha and Whakatāne are also being used to monitor plume activity, although local weather can affect visibility from the Bay of Plenty coast.
Despite the decline in temperature and absence of ash emissions, the Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2, and the aviation colour code is Yellow.
"These levels reflect the current level of activity and the uncertainty caused by limited real-time monitoring on the island," said Scott. "Volcanic activity could still escalate with little or no warning. Further sudden, more explosive events could affect the crater floor and the immediate area surrounding the island."
