GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Volcanic White Island Erupts In The Bay Of Plenty, New Zealand - Alert Level Raised To 3 And Aviation Color Code To Orange!

White Island eruption in 2013. John Borren

April 28, 2016 - NEW ZEALAND - White Island erupted last night.

The volcanic island, off the coast of the Bay of Plenty, erupted yesterday between 9.30pm and 11pm, GNS Science said.

As a consequence of this activity the Volcanic Alert Level is now raised to Level 3 (Minor Volcanic Eruption) and the Aviation Colour Code to Orange.

No eruptive activity has been seen since about 11pm yesterday.

The eruption was accompanied by a moderately elevated seismic activity, GNS said. The seismic activity is now back to normal.

Material appears to have been deposited over north side of the crater floor and up onto north crater wall. There is not yet a clear view of crater area visible from cameras.

Volcanologists are monitoring the volcano and further information will be released as soon as it is available.

Over the last couple of weeks, GNS scientists have observed a fall of 2m in the water level of the crater lake.

However, they have not noted any changes in other monitored parameters, like the amount of volcanic gas being emitted, fumarole temperatures and the presence of volcanic tremor or earthquakes.

During a visit last week by GNS volcanologist Brad Scott he was able to confirm the lake level had dropped 2m in the last 2 weeks. The lake was now about the same level as it was in 2014. The drop in water level of the crater lake has revealed several islands or crater outlines and the lake temperature has increased 2C, from 56C to 58C, since February.

There had been a small decrease in the temperature of the hottest fumarole (169C to 161C) since February. The SO2 gas output has ranged between 90 and 480 tonnes per day (1.0 to 5.5 kg per second) of gas during the last 5 weeks. These are typical values for White Island.

The level of volcanic tremor continues to vary, but remains below those observed in 2012 when unrest was stronger and small eruptions occurred.



- New Zealand Herald.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Volcanic Unrest - Unusual Earthquakes Recorded Below New Zealand's Mount Tongariro!

August 06, 2013 - NEW ZEALAND - Mt Tongariro is under a watching brief after a series of small earthquakes was detected under the volcano over the past two weeks.

© TVNZ

GNS Science duty volcanologist Michael Rosenberg said the quakes were not connected to the ongoing flurry of seismic activity centred in the Cook Strait and the tremors were no cause for ''undue alarm.''

Fewer than 10 quakes, all under magnitude 1.5, have been recorded on a handful of seismic monitors and are too small to be pinpointed.

''The reason we're paying attention is because of their location and we don't see quakes there very often,'' Rosenberg said.

The volcano erupted for the first time in a century at the Te Maari craters in August last year, followed by another eruption in November and scientists warn the craters could still erupt with little or no warning.

The earthquakes could just be normal volcanic background unrest but the earthquakes had piqued interest because there have been so few since 2012 and could signal changes occurring inside the volcano.

The seismic activity was not seen as a precursor to another eruption because carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide gas emissions had been at low levels since the start of the year.

''If we saw these gases increase and saw more and larger earthquakes then we would think of this very likely as magma moving through Tongariro,'' Rosenberg said.

The area around the Te Maari craters is off-limits so scientists are waiting for the right prevailing winds to collect gas samples by driving or flying under volcanic plumes.

''At this stage we don't know what the activity is. There's obviously something disturbing the insides of the volcano - maybe it's just changes in the stress on the faultline.''

GNS has not changed its 0 to 5-scale Volcanic Alert Level from 1, which shows volcanic unrest or its Aviation Colour Code from green, which indicates no eruptive activity. - Stuff.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: The Global Volcano Report For June 09, 2013 - Lava Dome Overtopping Crater Rim Poses Risk Of Pyroclastic Flows At Indonesia's Ibu Volcano, And Gradually Increasing Seismic Tremor Beneath Alaska's Veniaminof Forces Officials To Raise Aviation Color Code Status!

June 09, 2013 - WORLDWIDE VOLCANOES - The following constitutes the new activity, unrest and ongoing reports of volcanoes across the globe.

Indonesia, Halmahera, Ibu volcano erupting.
Image: Martin Rietze.

Ibu volcano (Halmahera Island, Indonesia): As the Indonesian Volcanological Survey (VSI) specified in its latest bulletin, parts of the active lava dome of the volcano have recently (early June) grown higher than the northern crater rim, where it is cut by a valley extending to the northern feet of the stratovolcano. Therefore, potential continued growth of the dome poses the risk of rockfalls and pyroclastic flows reach the northern flanks, where a number of villages are located, namely Pasilulu and Talen.

In addition, VSI scientists have detected an increase of seismicity and degassing since early May. This includes volcanic tremor from growing lava dome and deeper earthquakes, possibly related to new magma rising, and the occurrence of notable sulfur smell.

Ibu's activity has been characterized by the slow building of a new lava dome inside the breached summit crater since 1999. While present growth rate is still slow, and no or little incandescence is observed at the moment, the new seismic activity could herald a phase of more vigorous activity in the near future. In that scenario, the occurrence of dangerous landslides and pyroclastic flows would be likely and the northern slopes of the volcano should be considered a high risk zone.


Veniaminof (Alaska Peninsula, USA): Over the past 2 days, AVO has detected gradually increasing seismic tremor beneath Veniaminof and therefore raised the Aviation Color Code to Yellow and the Volcano Alert Level to Advisory.

Current seismic recording from Veniaminof (VNHG station, AVO)

Clear web-camera and satellite views currently show nothing unusual at the volcano. Similar seismic activity has been associated with ash emissions at Veniaminof in the past, most recently in 2005.

Complete Earthquake list (worldwide) for June 9, 2013.

- Volcano Discovery.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: GNS Vulcanologist Predicts "Little Or No" Warning Before Tongariro Eruption In New Zealand?!

February 15, 2013 - NEW ZEALAND - Further eruptions at Tongariro may occur with "little or no warning", according to a GNS vulcanologist.

GNS Science said today that activity at Tongariro remains low, but steam and gas plumes from the Te Maari area are always present.

Tongariro erupting on November 21. GNS.

"Tongariro has had no eruptive activity since the explosion on 21 November 2012."

Earthquake activity has been negligible since before the November 2012 eruption and the flux of volcanic gases has remained relatively stable for several months.

"After the eruption in November 2012 we had to consider the possibility that Tongariro might have entered an eruptive episode similar to one that occurred in the 1890s," GNS vulcanologist Brad Scott said.

"However, we do not know if further eruptions will occur or if the Te Maari crater area will just quietly discharge steam for several years. If further eruptions do occur we have to expect that they might have little or no warning."

Te Maari Crater eruption on Mt Tongariro. Photo / Ben Fraser.

GNS Science head vulcanologist Gill Jolly said it was difficult to be certain what would happen in the next few months.

"We expect that eruptions substantially larger than that in August 2012 should give us some warning signs."
In recent weeks GNS Science has received several reports describing unusually strong steam emission from the Te Maari crater area.

"Some of these can be attributed to weather conditions but others probably reflect natural variability in the steam and gas emission rates." - Stuff.

NOTE: Thanks to Brian Colarusso for contributing to this post.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Experts Warn White Island Activity Could Lead To Large Eruption!

January 22, 2013 - NEW ZEALAND - Volcanic activity at White Island is the most "vigorous" in years and could mean a large explosive eruption is imminent, GNS Science says.  The volcano, off the Bay of Plenty coast, is the country's most active and showed heightened signs of unrest last year.  But it is the increased hydrothermal activity in the last three weeks which is of "significant concern", GNS vulcanologist Brad Scott says.

"I don't think I've seen anything this strong since the late 90s and 2000s."  The activity then led to a large eruption in July, 2000.  "The hydrothermal activity is some of the most vigorous I have seen at White Island for many years. This type of activity usually leads to stronger volcanic activity and is a significant concern," Scott said.  "Increases in hydrothermal activity often leads to explosive eruptions and that can be quite dangerous for visitors."  The activity may mean an eruption is imminent, but there is also a chance it could cease.  The volcano poses no threat to the mainland, however, as it is 48 kilometres from shore.  But White Island is a popular tourist attraction, with boat and flight tours heading there daily.  If it does explode, ash may reach the mainland and Bay of Plenty locals might smell gas, Scott says.  Scott's observations were based on a visit to the island yesterday.

Hydrothermal activity in the small 'hot lake' had increased, large amounts of sediment had surfaced and vivid white steam and gas was flashing from the base.  This was the sort of activity that had been increasing since late 2012 and was now semi-continuous, Scott says.  The lava dome that was first observed in late November has not changed since earlier this month.  There were elevated levels of volcanic tremors, likely generated by the hydrothermal activity, Scott says.  As usual, the volcano could erupt with little or no warning.  - TVNZ.

WATCH: White Island activity could lead to large eruption.

WATCH: White Island Hydrothermal Activity - January, 2013.

PLANETARY TREMORS: Scientists Warn Of Another Mount Tongariro Eruption - Continuous Feature Of Emissions And Gas Plumes!

January 21, 2013 - NEW ZEALAND - Scientists are warning Mount Tongariro may erupt again as the Department of Conservation looks at re-opening the remainder of the iconic Tongariro Crossing next month. GNS Science say emissions of steam and a gas plume have been a continuous feature of the mountain since the August 2012 eruption. Scientist Tony Hurst said the volcano is still in an "active" state.

Te Maari Crater eruption on Mt Tongariro. Photo / Ben Fraser.

"Therefore we have to be prepared there will be other events like that without any warning," said GNS Scientist Tony Hurst. The risk of another eruption is causing concern for the Department of Conservation as it prepares to reopen the northern section of the Tongariro Crossing which was damaged in the August eruption. Department of Conservation Ruapehu Area Manager Jonathan Maxwell told ONE News the eruption had not dampened the popularity of the 19.4 kilometre walking track. He said DOC was forced to close an access way to the track shortly before Christmas when tourists began flocking to the area. "It's become a destination so in the end total anarchy broke out with cars and buses," said Maxwell. "There were wing mirrors being knocked off and cars damaged as well as people trying to park in incredibly stupid places."

GNS Scientists are also concerned neighbouring Mt Ruapehu may be due to erupt. Gas samples show there could be a blockage underneath the volcano's surface. The blockage could burst and erupt without warning. Tourism operator Stewart Barclay from Adrift Outdoors said tourism on Mt Ruaphu and Mt Tongariro is reliant on the findings of GNS scientists. "We can't do anything until the scientists scratch their heads and reckon it's all safe to go up," said Barclay. DOC has closed the area within 2km of the centre of crater lake at the summit of Mt Ruapehu.- TVNZ.

WATCH: Hopes over full Tongariro Cross reopening.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Volcanic Mountains On Eruption Alert In New Zealand - Mt Tongariro, Mt Ruapehu and White Island On Watch!

January 16, 2013 - NEW ZEALAND - The steam and super-heated gases which have been pouring from the side of Mt Tongariro since its two surprise eruptions last year are set to be a feature of the volcano for years.  And nearly two months since Mt Tongariro last blew, GNS volcanologists say there's every chance of another sudden eruption, just as at neighbouring Mt Ruapehu and White Island to the north.  Fresh activity at all three volcanoes last year forced authorities to raise their alert levels, which have since been reduced.  The latest check by GNS showed steam and gas plumes at the Te Maari craters on Mt Tongariro's northern face - the site of eruptions in August and November - had become a continuous feature at the site.  The gas was coming from a large fumarole and crack in a cliff just east of the Upper Te Maari crater, while the main Upper Te Maari crater was also discharging gas but at a lesser rate.  Volcanic gas from the plume, which could still be smelled downwind of the volcano, was stronger on some days because of atmospheric conditions.

Te Maari Crater eruption on Mt Tongariro. Photo / Ben Fraser.

Volcanologists expected these plumes to linger for several years.  The puffs of steam had occasionally led to excited reports of eruptions, GNS volcanologist Dr Craig Miller said.  A section of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, between Emerald Lakes and Ketetahi Rd, remained closed and Dr Miller said trampers should stay cautious when on the mountain.  "We still expect there could be a November type eruption."  The Department of Conservation reported large numbers of visitors to Tongariro National Park this summer, with vehicle congestion forcing the temporary closure of Mangatepopo Rd.  Adrift NZ tour guide Stewart Barclay, who chairs a group of 30 users of Mt Tongariro, said business was up because of the volcanic activity and would likely increase further when the crossing was fully open.  Meanwhile, the alert level at White Island was lowered from two to one this month, reflecting the end to an eruptive cycle that began in August, more than a decade after its last eruption.

 Scientists visiting the island on New Year's Day found a small lava dome that had risen throughout the cycle had not grown since previous inspections the month before.  Temperatures measured at the dome and at a nearby hot lake, which had reached 200C to 240C and 70C to 80C respectively, had also not changed. It suggested magma was not pushing out the cooler plug blocking it, Dr Craig Miller said.  "It's a bit like an old tube of toothpaste with a dry cap on top. If you stop squeezing it stops coming out.  "But we think there's still probably a lot of magma at a shallow depth - and while it remains there, there's always the potential for things to happen."  A similar process was likely occurring at Mt Ruapehu, where the crater lake was remaining worryingly docile despite fiery temperatures just below.  Since March last year, lake temperatures had hovered between 20C and 25C while temperatures beneath ranged between 700C and 800C.  The lake's temperature had reached 40C in previous years, and its stability suggested gases were being blocked, bringing the potential of a sudden and violent blow.  A 2km exclusion zone around the summit remained in place.  "Mt Ruapehu is still in a state of heightened unrest and people should be aware that it can do things with very little warning," Dr Miller said.  "It's got the ability to throw rocks large distances and send lahars down the mountain."

Volcano watch:

White Island
This week downgraded from alert level two to one (out of five). A recently-established lava dome has stopped growing, but scientists say a column of magma not far beneath still poses a threat.

Mt Ruapehu
Remains at alert level one with an exclusion zone around the summit. A suspected blockage below the crater lake may be causing a gas build up that could result in sudden eruption.

Mt Tongariro
Remains at alert level one with part of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing closed. Emitting large amounts of gas and sulphur dioxide and scientists still expect a repeat of the last eruption in November. - NZ Herald.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: "Mount Doom" - More Eruptions Tipped as New Zealand's Tongariro Volcano Disrupts Flights!

November 25, 2012 - NEW ZEALAND -  Lingering ash from a volcanic eruption in New Zealand disrupted flights across parts of the North Island on Thursday, as scientists warned the mountain could blow again at any time. Mount Tongariro, in the centre of the North Island, erupted for the second time in four months on Wednesday after lying dormant for more than a century, spewing a column of ash three kilometres (1.9 miles) into the atmosphere.

Mt. Tongariro, in the centre of the North Island, erupted for the second time in four months. A massive plume of ash billows up into the sky as the volcano erupts at Tongariro National Park, 300 km (186 miles) north of Wellington.
Photo: Stefan Keller/Reuters.

Air New Zealand said flights to Rotorua resumed early on Thursday but services to Taupo and Gisborne would be subject to cancellations and delays until the ash cloud cleared, likely later in the day. “The airline is working with the relevant authorities to safely make adjustments to flight routes to ensure aircraft remain clear of any ash and keep providing a safe service to the travelling public,” it said. The official monitoring body GNS Science said the volcano, which was used as a backdrop to Peter Jackson’s hugely successful The Lord of the Rings films, was quiet overnight but remained unpredictable. “We (can) expect another eruption of similar size at any time during the next few weeks,” volcanologist Brad Scott said.

“Eruptions are not expected to escalate in size.” Just days before the mountain rumbled to life, scientists warned that neighbouring Mount Ruapehu was ready to erupt as pressure builds in a subterranean vent. They said there was no warning before the Tongariro blast and could not say if the activity at the two volcanoes was linked. No injuries were reported from Wednesday’s eruption but about 50 hikers scrambled for safety as ash billowed from the mountain. With two volcanoes now active, the Department of Conservation said walking tracks and a number of roads in the Tongariro National Park had been closed until further notice. New Zealand lies on the so-called “Pacific Ring of Fire”, where the Earth’s tectonic plates collide, making it a hotspot for volcanic and earthquake activity. A eruption at Mount Ruapehu in 1953 caused New Zealand’s worst rail disaster when it triggered a massive mudslide that washed away a bridge, causing a passenger train to plunge into a river with the loss of 151 lives. - Live Mint.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Signs of Unrest - New Zealand's Mount Ruapehu Could Erupt "With Little or No Warning"!

November 24, 2012 - NEW ZEALAND - GNS says the risk of Mt Ruapehu erupting has not changed despite an eruption on nearby Mt Tongariro earlier this week.

The Crater Lake on Mt Ruapehu. Source: Supplied.

Samples taken from Ruapehu's crater lake this week show signs of unrest beneath the surface and scientists say it could erupt at any time with little or no warning. This follows an eruption on Mt Tongariro on Wednesday which threw an ash cloud three kilometres into the sky. Scientists said they were not sure whether activity at both volcanoes was linked. Regular sampling is taken of the Ruapehu crater lake as the analysis of the gas contained in the lake's water can provide information about the temperature below.

The results from samples taken on Wednesday suggest that the temperature at depth in Ruapehu is still higher than it was a few months ago. GNS says as the lake temperature remains low this indicates that gas may be trapped beneath the lake. If pressure increases underground GNS said this could lead to an eruption, similar to one in 2007. Meanwhile, Mount Tongariro is quiet but scientists warn it could blow again within days. The ash cloud from the eruption has cleared, allowing flights from the central North Island to resume. Scientists say the volcano is in a state of unrest and the risk of another sudden blast remains significantly high. - TVNZ.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: "Mount Doom" - Volcano's Smell Drifts 100km From Tongariro!

November 22, 2012 - NEW ZEALAND - GNS says Mt Tongariro is still emitting sulphurous gas but has stopped spewing ash, and volcanic activity remains low after yesterday's eruption. The smell from the volcano has been noticed in Manawatu and Hawke's Bay, the areas downwind from the Te Maari crater. Scientist's say the smell may be noticed up to 100km away from the volcano, and could cause minor irritation to people's eyes, skin and throats.

GNS Science is closely monitoring the activity at the volcano following its eruption, and will be looking to see if the temperature from gas samples increases. Further similar eruptions are expected in the coming weeks. "The volcano is in a state of unrest and in that state it can erupt, and it can erupt without any warning," volcanologist Brad Scott told ONE News. "That unrest is going to continue for many weeks many months." Scott said an eruption at Mount Tongariro on August 6 was "vent clearing" because the vent was blocked "so that was naturally more explosive". "Now we've got a more open vent environment that makes it easier for eruptions to occur we can't get such high overpressure and therefore the explosions won't be as explosive or as large as August." A team from GNS flew over the volcano this afternoon and said the eruption has caused no significant change to the crater.

The Volcanic Alert Level remains at 2 and the Aviation Colour Code at Orange. Scientists are not the only ones monitoring Tongariro, a number of tourists have travelled to Tongariro eager to see what might happen. Police are advising them to put their safety first. - TVNZ.

WATCH: GNS Timelapse of Mount Tongariro's Eruption.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Hikers Flee in Panic as Mount Tongariro Erupts - Potential Alert Issued in New Zealand!

November 21, 2012 - NEW ZEALAND - New Zealand's Mount Tongariro volcano in the central North Island has erupted, sending a black plume of gas and ash up to 2km into the air, the Department of Conservation says.

Close-up and spectacular experience of the Mt Tongario eruption. LOMI SCHAUMKEL/Tamatea Intermediate School.

The department closed the popular Tongariro Alpine Crossing walking track on Wednesday afternoon (local time) and staff and police were urging people hiking the crossing to leave the mountain as quickly as possible. An eruption earlier this year sent rocks smashing into a trampers hut. Wednesday's fine weather meant hundreds could be in the vicinity, but as the eruption happened in the afternoon most people would already be making their way down, department spokeswoman Kim Turia told AAP. "It's not a large-scale search and rescue exercise, there are no volcanic rocks in the eruption, just ash and gas." Staff were trying to get people off the crossing with a minimum of panic, she said. The crossing would reopen once GNS Science had given the all clear.

Civil Defence is monitoring the situation, but described the event as minor. GNS Science said a plume of smoke from the Te Maari Crater, on the northern side of Tongariro, was captured on web camera about 1.30pm (1130 AEDT). A light wind was blowing it towards the Kaimanawa Ranges to the east. The eruption prompted the volcanic alert level to be raised to "minor eruptive activity" and the aviation colour code to red - "eruption is forecast to be imminent and significant ash emission into the atmosphere likely". Some media reported sources saying the eruption did not last long. A spokeswoman for Airways, the organisation responsible for air traffic management, said flights over the central North Island were being diverted away from the volcano. There were clear skies in the area and pilots could see the eruption smoke. Airways was waiting on more information from GNS before deciding if aircraft would be diverted even further from the volcano. Last week, GNS warned there was increased activity underneath nearby Mt Ruapehu. In August, the upper Te Maari Crater erupted for the first time in more than a century, sending rocks falling within 1km of the crater, damaging Ketetahi Hut - one of four hikers' huts on the mountain. Light ash fell as far away as Taupo and Napier, while the smell of gas - similar to the "rotten eggs" smell experienced in Rotorua - had drifted to Wellington. - Herald Sun.

WATCH: New Zealand's Mount Tongariro Erupts.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: New Zealand's Ruapehu Volcano at Risk of Eruption - "Mount Doom" is Now Off-Limits as Pressure Builds, Volcano Activity at Tongariro May Not be Linked!

November 18,  2012 - NEW ZEALAND - Scientists do not believe that volcanic activity at Tongariro and Ruapehu this year are related but are not excluding the idea.  GNS Science announced on Friday that pressure was building up inside Ruapehu's Crater Lake and there was an increased likelihood of an eruption.  Tongariro, which is located near Ruapehu, erupted in August, the first time in more than 100 years.  White Island, off the coast of the Bay of Plenty, erupted the same month. 

The ash cloud produced by the Ruapehu eruption of 2005.

While the White Island eruption could not have been related to the volcanic activity at Ruapehu and Tongariro, scientists were not ruling out a link between the latter, GNS volcanologist Nico Fournier said.  "We don't have evidence at the moment that the activity of the two volcanoes are related," Fournier said. "But we can't exclude it entirely."  The fact the two volcanoes had experienced increase activity within a few months of each other was a point of interest among his colleagues, Fournier said.  But GNS vulcanologists were focussing their research more on the connection between slow earthquakes and volcanic activity. Earthquakes rattled the ground below Tongariro in the weeks leading up to the August eruption.  Earthquakes have also been occurring below Ruapehu.  Ruapehu hasn't shown any increase in activity over the weekend but scientists are hoping samples they plan to gather this week will provide more clues as to what is happening inside the volcano, Fournier said.  The temperature deep below the Crater Lake was about 800 degrees Celsius, a few hundred degrees higher than what it was a few months before, he said.  The Crater Lake, however, was cool, which indicated something was blocking it, and meant pressure was building up beneath the surface.  Scientists hoped to gather more samples by air from the lake on Wednesday or Thursday and have the results by next week, Fournier said.  It was likely that sulphur had caused a clay-like layer which was blocking the heat from rising.  "What worries us is the combination of the temperature and that heat is getting trapped and those gases are becoming trapped under the lake."  Pressure build-up was thought to have caused the 2007 eruption and a smaller eruption in 2006.  - Stuff.

A New Zealand volcano that featured as Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings trilogy is in danger of erupting.  Officials say Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand's largest active volcano, is experiencing a build-up of pressure in a subterranean vent.  New Zealand's department of conservation (DOC) has warned hikers to avoid the summit, saying temperature readings by scientists indicate there is an increased risk of eruption.  "The current situation can't continue, Ruapehu is so active that the temperatures have been going up and down a lot," DOC volcanic risk manager Harry Keys told Radio New Zealand.  "They generally haven't gone up as we've expected for some weeks now and sooner or later that situation will be rectified, either in a small, relatively passive way, or with a significant eruption."  Official monitoring body GNS Science says the temperature a few hundred metres below a lake in the crater of the North Island mountain is estimated to be 800 degrees Celsius, but the temperature at the lake itself is just 20 degrees.  It said this indicated a vent was partially blocked, leading to increased pressure that made eruptions more likely "over the next weeks to months".  The 2,797-metre mountain last erupted in 2007, sending a lahar - a fast-moving stream of mud and debris - down the mountain, but causing no injuries.  In 1953, a massive lahar from the mountain caused New Zealand's worst rail disaster when it washed away a bridge at Tangiwai and a passenger train plunged into the Whangaehu River, claiming 151 lives.  Director Peter Jackson used Mount Ruapehu and the neighbouring Mount Ngauruhoe to depict Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings movies.  Another nearby volcano, Mount Tongariro, erupted in August this year, sending a plume of ash 6,100 metres into the atmosphere, showering the North Island and disrupting domestic air travel. - ABC News Australia.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: New Zealand's Mount Ruapehu May Enter Erupton Phase - Pressure Building Under Crater Lake, Eruption Likely in Weeks, Aviation Colour Code Raised to Yellow!

November 16, 2012 - NEW ZEALAND - Trampers and climbers are being warned to avoid Ruapehu’s summit zone as there is an increased likelihood of an eruption.  Pressure is building up under the Crater Lake on Mt Ruapehu, increasing the likelihood of an eruption in the coming weeks, GNS Science said.  Recent measurements taken on the volcano over the last few weeks indicated that eruptions were more likely "over the next weeks to months".  A sudden release of pressure built up under the lake may lead to an eruption. 

The Department of Conservation has issued a warning for trampers and climbers to avoid the Summit Hazard Zone, a two kilometre area from the centre of the Crater Lake. “We recommend that guiding companies do not take people into the zone. Any other climbers, trampers and walkers should not enter the zone” DOC Ruapehu area manager Jonathon Maxwell said.  People in the area should be aware of an increased possibility of lahars on the tracks and especially when approaching the Whangaehu, Wahianoa, Mangaturuturu and Whakapapaiti streams. “They should be conscious of potential lahar noise from upstream, and make their way across these streams quickly,” DOC warned. Mt Ruapehu, which last erupted in 2007, usually does not give any immediate warning that it is going to erupt, GNS Science vulcanologist Steven Sherburn said.  Pressure build-up was thought to have caused the 2007 eruption and a smaller eruption in 2006. The Aviation Colour Code has increased from green to yellow as a warning for those flying over the region, but the Volcanic Alert Level remained at level 1. 

GNS Science believed the temperature a few hundred metres beneath the crater was about 800 degrees Celsius but the lake itself was only 20degC. "This suggests the vent is partly blocked which may be leading to a pressure build-up beneath Crater Lake.'' Small earthquakes have been occurring about five kilometres beneath the summit of Ruapehu since late October, but it was not known whether they were related to the increased temperature below the crater, GNS vulcanologist Brad Scott said.  "We perceive them to be completely unrelated at this stage," he said. However, the quakes had the potential to build up processes and push magma further to the surface, which would further increase the likelihood of an eruption, he said.  GNS constantly monitored Ruapehu and had discovered over the last few weeks that the chemistry and gases within the Crater Lake were changing, Scott said. The criteria for the aviation code and alert levels were not the same and the heightened temperature of the lake meant GNS was required to change the aviation code, Scott said.  Alert level 1 indicated that the volcano was in a state of unrest, while an actual eruption was needed to increase it to level 2. "It's just a heads up," Scott said about GNS' warning of an increased likelihood of an eruption. "It's really just a reminder that Ruapehu is an active volcano and can erupt, and the chances of that happening is more than what it was last week." Ruapehu experienced a small scale eruption in 2007 and a series of large scale eruptions in 1995 and 1996. All facilities, roads, walking tracks, alternative routes lower on Mt Ruapehu, and other activities on the mountain were still operating within the Tongariro National Park, DOC said. - Stuff.

GLOBAL VOLCANISM: Larger Ash Eruption at the Batu Tara Volcano in Indonesia - Aviation Color Code Raised to "Orange"!

As our colleague Marc from vulkane.net reports, the volcano Batu Tara in the Sunda Sea off the island of Flores in Indonesia had a larger than usual ash eruption today, which triggered an alert of the VAAC Darwin, who raised the aviation color code to "orange", as the drifting ash cloud is be a hazard to local air traffic. Batu Tara is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia and is characterized, similar to Stromboli volcano, by semi-permanent explosive summit activity. - Volcano Discovery.