Recent changes at Whakaari/White Island have no links 'in any way” to the activity at Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai, scientists say.

The volcanoes are 2000km apart and do not influence each other, GNS Science Duty Volcanonoligst Steve Sherburn says.

Data from an observation flight at Whakaari/White Island last week shows a substantial decrease in the active vent temperature and a small decrease in the gas output, says Steve.

'The state of moderate to heightened unrest continues. The Volcanic Alert Level remains at Level 2.”

Temperature measured in the active vent area was 191 °C, a decline from 516 °C in December 2021.

'A gas measuring flight was also made last week recording a slight decrease of the volcanic gas output that was measured at the volcano in December 2021.

'Both Sulphur Dioxide and Carbon Dioxide gas emission rates are slightly below a 10-year average.”

Steve says the temperature and gas emission observations are consistent with hot gas continuing to be released from the molten rock (magma) beneath the volcano at variable rates.

He says minor amounts of ash emission continue to be observed, similar to most of our recent observation flights.

'Ash deposits remain limited to areas close to the active vents. Further intermittent ash emission may continue to occur.

'The water level of the lake has receded during the recent spell of fine, dry weather.”

While Volcanic Alert Level 2 is mostly associated with volcanic unrest hazards (including discharge of steam and hot volcanic gases, earthquakes, landslides, and hydrothermal activity), Steve says the potential for eruption hazards also exists and eruptions can still occur with little or no warning.

'GNS Science and its National Geohazards Monitoring Centre continue to monitor Whakaari/White Island for further changes in unrest.”

-Additional information by Stuff.co..nz