White Island volcanic alert level raised - spiny lava dome

[link to www.geonet.org.nz]

Scientists keeping tabs on Ruapehu, White Island

A rare "lava dome" has formed around the crater of New Zealand's most active volcano, as scientists raise the volcanic watch level on White Island.

A lava dome is when magma, which has lost much of its gas, bubbles out of the crater of a volcano.

It cools quickly and builds up from the bottom. GNS scientists likened it to "congealed toothpaste" found round the edge of the tube.

The Bay of Plenty volcano is New Zealand's most active and since a rating system has been in place, it has never rested at zero.

GNS today raised its alert level to two, indicating there had been minor eruptive activity.

Constant plumes of steam on the island generally made it difficult to see anything close to the crater, but GNS scientists said conditions on Monday allowed them to get a closer look.

Vulcanologist Brad Scott said he had "never seen anything like it" in his 30 years visiting the island.


[link to www.stuff.co.nz]

i saw the photos of the dome... it's creapy, it seams the devel comming from hell trought the volcano crater... in the White Island ???

This is BIG news !

There is another 2 going off too in N.Z. now, right?

Mt Tongariro has erupted twice since August.
Mt Ruapehu temperatures are higher and had earthquakes.
Mt White has been spluttering for a while now this lava dome has appeared.

Luckily Lake Taupo is doing bugger all.

She gonna blow !

Cool photo here

[link to www.wired.com]