Volcanic Alert Level
 | The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with New Zealand and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (January 2024) |
In New Zealand, Volcano Alert Bulletins (VABs) are the official source of warnings and alerts including current Volcanic Alert Level (VAL),[1] intended to inform stakeholder agencies, authorities, and the public about emergencies so they can take action.
The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management, through The National Emergency Management Agency is responsible for providing such alerts to warn about natural hazards.[2] A Scientific Alert Level is applied to the Volcano Status based on Indicative Phenomena. GNS Science operates the national geological hazards monitoring network (GeoNet).[3]
Levels[edit]
The Volcanic Alert Level system has six levels ranging from 5 (major volcanic eruption) to 0 (no volcanic activity):[4]
| Volcanic Alert Level | Volcanic Activity | Most likely hazards | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Major volcanic eruption | Eruption hazards on and beyond volcano | - |
| 4 | Moderate volcanic eruption | Eruption hazards on and near volcano | 2019 Whakaari / White Island eruption |
| 3 | Minor volcanic eruption | Eruption hazards near vent | - |
| 2 | Moderate to heightened volcanic unrest | Volcanic unrest hazards, potential for eruption hazards | Whakaari / White Island in 2019 before eruption[5][6] |
| 1 | Minor volcanic unrest | Volcanic unrest hazards | - |
| 0 | No volcanic unrest | Volcanic environment hazards | - |
Elsewhere[edit]
To help prevent harm when living or working on or near a volcano, countries have adopted classifications to describe the various levels and stages of volcanic activity, the two main volcano warning systems being colour codes and/or numeric alert levels. [7]
- United States Alert System
- Indonesia Alert System [8]
- Russia
- Alaska Alert System
- Vanuatu Volcanic Alert Level
- Colombia Alert System [7]
The three common popular classifications of volcanoes can be subjective, and some volcanoes thought to have been extinct have erupted again.
References[edit]
- ^ GeoNet: Volcanic Alert Bulletins
- ^ www.civildefence.govt.nz Civil Defence Emergency Management Alerts and Warnings
- ^ GeoNet: Whakaari/White Island - Updates
- ^ "GeoNet About Volcanic Alert Levels".
- ^ "Volcanic alert level rises on White Island". Radio New Zealand. 18 November 2019. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
- ^ Volcanic Alert Bulletin WI – 2019/18
- ^ a b "Volcanic Alert Levels of Various Countries". Volcanolive.com. Retrieved August 22, 2011.
- ^ The Sydney Morning Herald Mount Agung volcano alert in Bali downgraded
External links[edit]
Volcanic Alert Level Summary
Whakaari/White Island Alert Level