Scientists keep watch on Whakaari after ash and gas detected

Scientists are keeping an eye on Whakaari / White Island after volcanic ash and strong gas was detected in the crater yesterday.

GNS Science said onsite cameras showed a minor emission of light brown ash from an active vent behind the lake, rising to about 600 metres above the volcano.

It said the most likely explanation was a small batch of magma moving into the shallow part of the volcano, rather than an eruption.

The Volcanic Alert Level remained at a state of moderate to heightened unrest, and the aviation industry has been warned of possible minor ash emissions.