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White Island in the Bay of Plenty ca. 50 km off the North Island's east coast is one of New Zealands most active volcanoes, well known for its spectacular crater with strong hydrothermal activity and sulphur deposits. It is part of the active Taupo volcanic zone and last erupted in 2001 (phreatic explosion).
stratovolcano 321 m / 1,053 ft
New Zealand, -37.52°S / 177.18°E
Current status: normal or dormant (1 out of 5)
White Island webcams / live data | ReportsWhite Island volcano books | Tours
White Island volcano eruptions:
2019, 2016, 2013, 2012, 2001, 1998-2000, 1998, 1995, 1986-94, 1983-84, 1976-82, 1974, 1971, 1971, 1970, 1969, 1968-69, 1966-67, 1962, 1959, 1958, 1957, 1955, 1947, 1933, 1930, 1928, 1926, 1924, 1922, 1909, 1908 (?), 1886?,1886, 1885 (?), 1885, 1856 (?), 1836, 1826
Typical eruption style:Explosive (in historic time: frequent small phreatic and phreatomagmatic eruptions)
Last earthquakes nearby
White Island volcano toursDream Come True - World Volcano Tour (4-week round-the-world trip to Hawaii - Vanuatu - New Zealand - Indonesia)
Latest satellite images  Sentinel hub | Landsat 8
Latest news & updates from White Island
Thu, 30 Jul 2020, 10:53
Since the last update, minor volcanic unrest continues at /White Island volcano. GNS scientists measured temperatures in the active vent (540°C) and found that these temperatures were lower than the temperatures measured in February (740°C). This is evidence that the active vent is slowly cooling. ...moreGas measurements of 200-300 tonnes per day of SO2, 20-40 tonnes per day of H2S and 1500-2000 tonnes per day of CO2 per day were regularly recorded since May. These measurements are similar to those measured between eruptive episodes over the last decade according the GeoNet. [ less] Wed, 24 Jun 2020, 11:10
GeoNet’s latest volcanic alert bulletin has changed the Aviation Colour Code to Green for Whakaari/White Island. This is a result of a “continuously decreasing level of volcanic activity”. This change in Aviation Colour Code comes a week after the Volcanic Alert Level was dropped to level 1 ...moreThe Volcanic Alert Level 1 indicates that the most likely hazards are those expected during lower levels of volcanic unrest, for example, steam discharge, volcanic gases, earthquakes, landslides and hydrothermal activity. GeoNet stress that while Volcano Alert Level 1 is associated with these environmental hazards, it doesn’t rule out the possibility of eruptions occurring with little or no warning. [ less] Tue, 16 Jun 2020, 08:36
Glow visible at night from White Island volcano (image: GeoNet) Observations and monitoring data over the last few months indicate that Whakaari/White Island has been progressing on a gradual trend back to lower levels of unrest that are typical of the long-term behaviour of this volcano. ...moreThe data sets considered in interpretation include discharge rate of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) gases, seismic activity, and the temperature of the discharging gases around the December 2019 eruption vents. While the temperature of the gas vents remains high, over 450 °C some cooling has been observed over the last few months, indicating a slow decline in heat input from depth. The hot gases that are being emitted from gas vents around the December 2019 eruption vents are still sufficiently hot and are generating a glow that continues as can be seen in the webcam. The gas observations on 12 June show similar rates of gas discharge to observations on 3 June, confirming that the pulse of gas observed in late-May was short-lived. [ less] Wed, 10 Jun 2020, 08:50
Gas emissions from White Island volcano today (image: GeoNet) GeoNet volcanologists did a flight observations and aerial-based measurements over Whakaari/White Island in the past week. The observation flight showed continued high heat flow in the crater, while other activity largely remains within the range observed over the past few months. ...moreResults from the gas flight on 3 June 2020 show a decline in gas flux from the high levels recorded on a previous flight on 28 May, suggesting that the increased gas flux was short-lived. Gas flux increases are attributed to the intrusion of a new batch of the magma at shallow depth beneath the volcano. This short gas pulse serves as a reminder that the volcano is still in an elevated state of unrest with shallow magma present. Satellite-based measurements of ground deformation show the ground around the active vent area has overall subsided by several centimetres since the December 2019 eruption. However, the most recent data from last week showed a small, localised inflation in the vent area, most likely related to the observed increased gas flux. [ less]
Fri, 29 May 2020, 06:38
Glow visible at night from White Island volcano (image: GeoNet) GeoNet volcanologists did a flight observations and aerial-based measurements of the volcano. Results from the most recent gas flight on 27 May indicate an increased gas flux since the previous flight on 20 May. While previous observations indicated a trend back to levels that are typical for this volcano, the recent increase in SO2 and CO2 gas flux, could be attributed to a new batch of the magma beneath the volcano at shallow depth. Thermal infrared images, taken during the observation flight on 20 May, show that the lava extrusions, first detected in early January, are still very hot, at around 500 °C. Hot gases that are being emitted around these lava lobes generate a glow that can be seen on webcam images. ...moreTremor has not shown significant variations. This week they recorded shallow source volcanic earthquakes. Satellite based measurements of ground deformation show the ground about the active vent area has subsided by several centimetres since the December 2019 eruption. Recent observations are consistent with a volcanic system that is still very dynamic, despite several monitoring parameters trending back towards pre-eruption levels. An eruption could occur with little precursory activity and could cause the collapse of unstable material around the vents, sudden release of gas from the magma, and the rapid ingress of water onto the shallow magma body. 
Gas emissions from White Island volcano (image: GeoNet) [ less] Sun, 19 Apr 2020, 06:28
The volcano continues to emit SO2 gas, which is derived from magma at shallow depth beneath the surface and is one of the main indicators of volcanic unrest. Since the last update, there have been no significant changes in SO2 output. Emission rates for other gases were not measured due the lockdown from COVID-19. Seismic activity remains at lower levels and continues to fluctuate over periods of hours or days. ...moreGEONET report that the layout of the active vent areas appears to be mostly unchanged since early March and that there is evidence of high temperatures at night, but no changes in the locations of these heat sources are apparent. [ less] Tue, 10 Mar 2020, 10:29
White steam plume from White Island´s crater today (image: GeoNet) GeoNet did a flight observations and aerial-based measurements of the volcano in the past two weeks. The most recent gas flight confirms the overall decline in both CO2 and SO2 output since the 9 December 2019 eruption, although latest data shows slightly elevated amounts of gas compared to recent measurements. ...moreAdditionally recorded a temperature of 746 °C. This was measured on one of the lava lobes and is the hottest temperature measured to date. Despite these high fumarole temperatures, a small pond of water is present in the Primary Crater formed on 9 December 2019. Small-scale jetting of this pond water is continuing to occur, like the activity seen in September-December 2019. High temperatures and large amounts of gas are consistent with the continued presence of shallow magma beneath the primary vent area. There are currently no indications for fresh magma arriving from greater depths. [ less] Wed, 19 Feb 2020, 12:00
White steam plume from White Island´s crater today (image: GeoNet) GeoNet did a gas flight that confirms the steady decline in both CO2 and SO2 flux since the eruption, albeit at slightly elevated levels. The result from this flight is consistent with recent gas measurements and indicates the continued presence of shallow magma beneath the primary vent area. ...moreTemperatures exceeding 660 °C mean that the system remains very hot with no sign of cooling over the past two weeks. Despite these high fumarole temperatures, a small pond of water is present in the primary vent area and small-scale jetting is now occurring. This is similar to the activity seen in September-December 2019. Although very unlikely, the active vent area remains potentially unstable and an eruption could occur with limited precursory activity. The GeoNet team consider an eruption to be very unlikely (1 %) in any 24-hour period. 
Glow and an ash plume from the main crater from satellite (image: Sentinel 2) [ less]
Tue, 4 Feb 2020, 11:16
White steam plume from White Island´s crater today (image: GeoNet) GeoNet did a visual observation and gas flights last week and confirm no further extrusions of lava has occurred. Gas fluxes are lower than two weeks ago but remain elevated. ...moreNo explosive eruptive activity has been detected or observed since the 9 December 2019 eruption. The temperatures associated with the lava extrusions remain very hot (greater than 550-570°C). Aerial observations confirm no changes to the crater vent area, the receding lake, or lava extrusion. [ less] Thu, 9 Jan 2020, 09:35
Steam plume rising from White Island (image: GeoNet ) GeoNet recorded strong and hot emissions of gases and steam plumes that occured and continue since 9 December, causing a glow that is seen on infrared cameras. Occasional minor ash emissions can be emitted from the active vent due to erosion. ...moreSeismicity remains at low level with periods of low amplitude tremor. Satellite data recorded continued land movement of the back crater wall since 1914. [ less]
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