Flights in New Zealand were suspended on Thursday due to a volcanic explosion that released a plume of ash, and government experts have warned that the eruption might go for “weeks to months” more.
The 2019 eruption of the White Island volcano claimed the lives of twenty-two individuals.
Located 200 kilometers from Auckland, the capital of New Zealand, and roughly 50 kilometers (31 miles) off the country’s North Island, the island was previously a famous tourist destination.
Ten flights were canceled early on Thursday, according to national carrier Air New Zealand, because volcanic ash fell over flight paths.
Flights have resumed following the dissipation of ash in the adjacent air space, an airline official told AFP.
According to a monitoring bulletin published by the research institute GNS Science, satellite photos revealed that “minor eruptive activity” had begun earlier this month.
They thought it was a part of the “typical eruptive cycles” that had been observed on White Island, which the Indigenous Maori language of the nation refers to as Whakaari.
“This activity could continue for some time, weeks to months,” they stated.
Scientists warned that although the effects will be minimal, those living on the main islands of New Zealand might smell volcanic gas or have slight throat or eye irritation.
Earlier this month, New Zealand increased its degree of volcanic alertness from a maximum of five to three.
Since the 2019 eruption, tours on White Island are prohibited. The work of scientists has also been impacted by the closure of the island.
“The biggest issue with Whakaari at the moment is the number of unknowns with the lack of monitoring on the island due to the 2019 eruption and restricted access preventing the repair of seismic and geodetic networks,” said volcanologist Simon Barker from Wellington’s Victoria University.
“This makes it difficult to place the ongoing activity within the context of past eruptive episodes and to assess how the system is changing.
“Gas flights, drone footage and ash emissions all suggest that magma is very close to the surface and, therefore, this activity could continue for some time.”
Volcanic ash wreaks havoc with plane engines, an earth sciences expert has said.
“Ash in volcanic plumes is considered a hazard to aeroplanes because it is sucked into their engines, potentially clogging fuel lines, sticking onto engine surfaces and eroding parts,” said volcanologist Adrian Pittari from the University of Waikato.
“It can also interfere with electrical and computer systems, infiltrate cabin space and reduce visibility.
“The level of ash concentration in the atmosphere and the flight time in affected airspace are important considerations.”
The researcher referenced instances from the 1980s in which concentrated ash plumes in Alaska and Indonesia caused Boeing 747 jet flights to momentarily lose all engine power.
A global network of Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers keeps an eye on weather patterns and ash plumes to warn the aviation industry of the dangers posed by flying ash.
“This helps airlines to plan flight paths and cancellations in areas of volcanic eruptions,” Pittari stated.
