Whakaari White Island Eruption – First Pictures

White Island, also known as Whakaari, is an active volcano located off the coast of New Zealand’s North Island. It is the country’s most active volcano known for its unique lunar-like landscape and steam vents. The island gained international attention in December 2019 when a sudden eruption tragically killed 22 people and injured many others.

The volcano has experienced a series of minor eruptions over recent months, primarily characterised by steam and gas plumes with occasional ash emissions. Recently, the Volcanic Alert Level was raised to Level 3 (minor eruption) due to an increase in eruptive activity. These latest eruptions have produced more vigorous plumes with a higher concentration of ash. The volcano appears to be transitioning from predominantly steam and gas emissions to more ash-rich outputs.

Despite White Island’s unpredictable nature, we managed to undertake a voyage to the island to document the ongoing activity. We exercised extreme caution throughout the expedition, maintaining a safe distance. Landing is strictly off-limits. With the help of tele zoom lens and a drone (that my friend Geoff piloted), we were able to capture some remarkable images.

As we approached the island, we were greeted by a persistent, thunderous sound reminiscent of a jet engine. Upon gaining a clear view of the crater, we observed what appears to be a new vent in a state of constant, intense ash emission. We estimated this vent to be roughly 10 meters in diameter, situated just above the significantly smaller crater lake. The intensity of the ash emissions fluctuated, occasionally decreasing before surging again.

This single vent was producing the vast amount of emissions, however there was also vigorous white gas-and-steam emissions from around the vent area. The activity generated a small plume of ash and gas. We estimate this plume ascended to roughly 3000 feet in altitude before being carried westward by the prevailing winds. We successfully collected a small ash sample from particles that had settled on the drone after its flight.

A small portion of the crater lake persists, its surface coated with sulfur deposits. The remaining water is characterised by vigorous upwelling and bubbling mud.

As we navigated to the western side of the island, we observed small lahars in action. These flows of mud and ash were cascading down the steep cliffs, spilling into the ocean below.

It’s hard to know what White Island may do next, but the recently elevated sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, coupled with the observed eruptive activity, suggest the presence of shallow magma with ongoing eruptions possible.

Drone photos below courtesy of Geoff Mackley

Sentinel-5P/ TROPOMI- SO2 / August 11 2024.