White Island, New Zealand
- July 26, 1999
- On July 23, White Island erupted and
spewed steam and ash approximately 10,000 feet into the air. The last
significant eruption at White Island was in mid-April.
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- January 8, 1999
- A new vent named Metra Vent has opened
on White Island. This vent is approximately 150 ft (50 m) in diameter.
It is about 300 ft (100 m) from the vent that has been active during
the past few months. Volcanic tremor at White Island is currently 3-4
times higher than the past few weeks. Wet ash is still being emitted
to heights of 2000 ft (600 m) above the new vent. Magma is likely being
intruded beneath the surface. The possibility of a larger eruptive event
in the near future has increased. Ash from the Metra Vent is also likely
to be ejected to higher elevations once the vent dries out. Visitors
are urged to stay away from the main crater, as explosive activity could
shower the area with rocks and ash. The alert level stands at 2.
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- November 2, 1998
- Minor activity is once again occurring
at White Island volcano. Small amounts of ash have been erupted frequently
since October 24. About 15 mm of ash has been deposited on the crater
rim. On October 31 a steam and ash column rose 5000 ft (1500 m) above
the volcano. The alert level at White Island remains at 1.
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- August 21, 1998
- The alert level at White Island was changed
to Level 2 as steam and gas plumes were reported above the volcano on
August 21. Several reports of ashfall have also been received in the
days following this event. A new vent has become active in the northwestern
corner of the 1978/90 crater complex. This area has been characterised
by high temperature fumaroles and gas vents over the past 2-3 years.
Temperatures up to 463 degrees C were recorded over this new vent. This
activity could continue to increase, and approaching the crater is currently
considered very dangerous.
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