The Watchers - 12/12/12, By Chillymanjaro
GNS Science volcanologists raised volcanic alert to Level 2 (minor eruptive activity) and the Aviation Color Code to Orange level (volcanic eruption is under way with no or minor ash emission) after discovering a spiny lava dome at White Island volcano in an existing small crater formed as a result of the recent eruptions in August.
“The dome is probably 20 – 30 metres across and has spines sticking up. In more than 30 years visiting White Island I’ve never seen anything like it.” GNS Science volcanologist Brad Scott.
Lava dome grows from the inside as new magma comes up and pushes the already cooled magma upwards and outwards. It is still unknown for how long the dome has been growing, but possibly since the ash eruption in early August. Lava domes are common at some volcanoes, but have never been seen before at White Island.
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