Volcanic Activity at White Island and Copahue

White Island (New Zealand): hot lake dries out, tuff cone forming at vent
Source: Volcano Discovery - 1/30/13, By T

Activity remains elevated and fluctuates between stronger and weaker phases. In its latest bulletin, GNS reports that the hot lake has dried out and a small tuff cone has started to form on the former floor of the lake:
"The active vent continues to produce vigorous bursts of mud, rock, steam and gas from 50-100 m high. Ash is not being carried into the plume. This activity is intermittent as is the seismic activity. Current activity is not sufficient for Volcanic Alert Level 2.

"Larger explosions of mud, rock and perhaps molten sulphur are always possible and occur with little or no warning. A greater than usual hazard does exist for visitors to the island as a result of the current level of volcanic activity.

"GNS Science’s past monitoring of the island shows that new eruptive episodes often develop out of this type of activity. Small muddy lakes sometimes form in craters, as the unrest develops geysering and explosions occur through these lakes, becoming more vigorous with time.

"This morning the gas and steam plumes appear to have declined, judging from the various web camera images available. A gas flight is being conducted to day to ascertain if the volcanic gas flux has changed since Friday.

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Copahue volcano (Chile / Argentina): increasing seismic & degassing activity

Source: Volcano Discovery, 1/30/13, By T

Seismic and degassing activity is on the increase, Sernageomin reported in its latest bulletin (29 Jan). During 28-29 Jan, a total of 345 volcanic earthquakes (plus more than 400 not counted ones because below threshold) and 6 hours of volcanic tremor were recorded.

The seismic swarm was accompanied by an increase in the degassing activity, creating a column of 500 m during pulses of more intense activity. No glow or ash emissions were seen.