\u201cThe second of those eruptions deposited ash close to the island over the short period of the eruption,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
MetService meteorologists reported that no volcanic ash was detected in the plumes using satellite imagery, but sulphur dioxide was detected.<\/p>\n
Short-lived increases in degassing or steam may generate plumes of gas, possibly containing minor amounts of volcanic ash, with little or no warning over the coming days.<\/p>\n
The volcanic alert will remain at level 3 while the Earth Sciences NZ Volcano Monitoring Group continues monitoring Whakaari for any changes in activity. <\/p>\n
The alert system is a scale from zero to six, with level 3 indicating a minor volcanic eruption.<\/p>\n
There were currently no sensors installed on the island, and scientists relied on remote cameras, satellite data, periodic observation and gas measurement flights to track any developments, Mazot said.<\/p>\n
Earth Sciences NZ would provide updates as new information became available.<\/p>\n
Whakaari, 48km off the North Island coast, is one of New Zealand\u2019s most active volcanoes.<\/p>\n
The last previous eruption activity<\/a> was observed on August 28, coating the island in a thin covering of ash. The activity settled quickly<\/a>.<\/p>\n