White Island - an active volcano

White Island is an active andesite volcano of which just 10% is visible above the sea. Formed primarily about 900,00 years ago the crater which you can tour is the smaller of what were originally two craters. Whilst  there have been periods of heightened activity, eruptions are rare. However as in any location where magma comes close to the earth's surface, eruptions can occur and without warning. The island is continually monitored by IGNS (Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences) and ease of access to the crater makes it an ideal location for volcanic study and research.

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