Whakaari/White Island on 24 February, 2025. Photo: GeoNet
Steam, gas and ash has been observed at Whakaari / White Island, GeoNet says.
Over the past week, GeoNet has observed "large, white, steam-rich plumes" from its webcams at Whakatāne and Te Kaha.
"During the weekend, small amounts of volcanic ash were observed in the plume on satellite imagery by our colleagues at MetService which could also be seen as a faint haze from the coast," the agency said.
"On several days last week, sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions were detected by satellite which may have been noticed by residents on the coast as sulphur odours during northerly wind conditions."
Duty volcanologist Yannic Behr said volcanic ash in the plume could be seen as a faint haze from the coast.
"Over the past week, large white, steam-rich plumes could be seen from our webcams at Whakatāne and Te Kaha," he said.
"Since the weekend, small amounts of volcanic ash have been observed in the plume on satellite imagery by our colleagues at MetService which could also be seen as a faint haze from the coast."
Behr said last week, sulphur dioxide emissions were detected by satellite and residents on the coast may have noticed a smell of sulphur.
He said the volcanic activity was consistent with the current alert level and it was the presence of ash which had changed the aviation code, which ranges from green to red.
"Without sensors on the island, our monitoring continues to rely on remote cameras, satellite imagery, and periodic observation and gas flights to monitor Whakaari," Behr said.
GeoNet has raised the aviation colour code to orange, meanwhile, the volcanic alert level remains at 2.
It said steam, gas and ash emissions remain variable over the past few months, which is consistent with moderate-heightened unrest and, therefore, the alert level has remained at level 2.
GNS Science's Volcano Monitoring Group and National Geohazards Monitoring Centre will continue to closely monitor Whakaari/White Island for any changes in activity.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
