A large plume coming from Whakaari/White Island is because of low to moderate steam emissions from the active vent, and weather conditions, GeoNet says.

Photos posted to social media this morning showed a large white column rising from the volcanic island 50km northeast of Whakatāne.

Atmospheric humidity, dew point, air temperature and wind speed played a role in how the steam and gas plume appeared above the volcano, GeoNet volcano duty officer Agnes Mazot said.

“There has been no evidence of ash being emitted at Whakaari/White Island for the past two months, and no eruptive activity has been observed since March.

“Without sensors on the island, our monitoring of Whakaari/White Island continues to rely on remote cameras, satellite imagery and periodic gas and observation flights.”

The Earth Sciences New Zealand Volcano Monitoring Group, and National Geohazards Monitoring Centre closely monitored Whakaari/White Island for any changes in activity, Mazot said.

Twenty-two people died after an eruption took place as 47 tourists and their guides visited the island in December 2019.

Whakaari/White Island has remained closed to commercial visitors since the tragedy.

Cherie Howie joined the Herald in 2011. She has been a journalist for more than 20 years and specialises in general news and features.