Activity low at Tongariro

No further volcanic activity has occurred since the eruption on Wednesday, GNZ Science reports today. Gas flux has decreased and seismic activity remains low and the situation will remain closely monitored.

GNS volcanologist Brad Scott said; "GNS Science has now lowered the Volcanic Alert Level from Level 2 to Level 1. This is based on the lack of further eruptions, no volcanic ash in the plume, decrease in gas output and continuing minor seismic activity. Conditions are now similar to before the November 21 eruption. The Aviation Colour Code remains at Yellow".

While volcanologists were able to recognise the onset of the state of unrest at Te Maari, they cannot recognise useful precursors to eruptions like last week.

Over the next week, the scenario considered most likely is that there may be further eruptions and these could occur with no warning. Despite the reduced gas output a gas odour can expected downwind from Tongariro.