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Series of overnight steam explosions at Whakaari/White Island
18 Feb, 2021 11:44 PM
2 minutes to read
A series of steam explosions have been observed at Whakaari/White Island early this morning - but scientists say activity on the off-shore island has returned to normal. Photo / Ben Fraser
A series of steam explosions have been observed at Whakaari/White Island early this morning - with some of the blasts of similar size to 2019 s disastrous blow.
GNS Science volcanologist Brad Scott described the activity, recorded from 2.20am, as short-lived, low-energy steam explosions.
Like the December 2019 blast at the offshore Bay of Plenty volcano which killed 22 people and left more than 20 others injured, these eruptions occurred without warning.
Scientists plan to keep a close eye on Mt Ruapehu’s warming crater lake after the volcanic alert level was raised to two on Monday. When weather allows, they plan to make a plume gas measuring flight and collect a lake water sample via helicopter but both measures were dependent on an updated hazard assessment, duty volcanologist Michael Rosenberg told
Stuff on Thursday. GeoNet monitors Mt Ruapehu via a network of seismic and acoustic sensors, satellite position receivers, and sensors in the lake, as well as physical visits to collect water samples, and flights to measure volcanic gases in the plume.