Hydrothermal eruptions expected for White Island

White Island's crater lake is continuing to grow.

Rising waters in White Island's crater lake means Kiwis could soon see steam columns shooting into the air, as well as hydrothermal eruptions.

GNS Science forecast the phenomenon on Wednesday, saying "hydrothermal surface activity" was possible because of the growing lake.

In the past that activity, caused by the drowning of gas-steam vents, had also resulted in geysering and small hydrothermal eruptions. Duty volcanologist Brad Scott says it's likely that'd continue.

"That's our anticipation, that it will do in the future what it's done in the past."

There was a small chance something "more explosive" could happen involving steam, however, as rising waters were now submerging the lava dome on White Island.

It's believed the island's lava dome area will be drowned within about four months.

"This is the fourth time a crater lake has been established [on White Island]," says Scott.

"It's cooling down from the 2016, 2014 volcanic activity."

Rising steam was being released and turning into water. That was causing the lake to rise at a rate of about 2000 m3 per day.

Volcanic activity at White Island has been ongoing for the past few months.

Between April and May, those visiting the island heard loud sounds from the active crater area, as it experienced low-level volcanic activity.

It remains at volcanic alert level 1.

What experts are currently seeing on White Island is consistent with minor volcanic unrest, GeoNet says. The organisation has not seen any signs of increased volcanic unrest.

GeoNet issued a warning on its site, however, saying eruptions "can occur with little or no warning".

GNS Science continues to monitor White Island.

- Stuff/ DAVE DE LOREAN

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