Before the deadly eruption of Whakaari White Island in December 2019, pressure and a tremor built up in a pattern seen in other volcanoes. It could help scientists develop an early-warning system.
Shane Cronin, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau and David Dempsey, University of Canterbury
One of the lessons we must take from the Whakaari tragedy is the cumulative nature of risk. Repeated visits to the volcanic island by tour guides placed them near unacceptable risk limits.
David Dempsey, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau and Shane Cronin, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
New Zealand has several volcanic areas that remain popular tourist destinations. A new early-alert system for eruptions would help operators determine when it is safe to visit an active volcano.
The Royal New Zealand Navy during a recovery operation on Whakaari/White Island, on December 13. Rescue and recovery efforts have been hampered by hazardous conditions on the island, and the danger of another eruption.
EPA/Royal NZ Navy
The tragedy at Whakaari/White Island highlights the need for consent forms to ensure tourists are fully informed when choosing to visit dangerous locations.
The volcanic alert level on Whakaari/White Island remains at three, one rung higher than it was when the eruption took place.
AAP/GNS Science
Visiting an active volcano involves risk. Hazard monitoring systems can issue warnings but in the case of the privately-owned White Island, the decision to take a tour falls to tourism operators.
The sudden eruption at White Island was short-lived but produced an ash plume that rose several kilometres above the vent.
GNZ Science