White Island, also known as Whakaari, is an active andesite stratovolcanom, which lies about 48 km from the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. The island is the peak of a submarine volcano and covers about 325 ha.
The island is one of the most active volcanos in New Zealand and has been built up by continuous volcanic activity for over 150,000 years. The island has been releasing volcanic gases ever since it was first discovered by James Cook in 1769. Eruptions occurred from December 1975 until September 2000, as well as in 2012, 2016 and 2019.
Until the 1930's there was Sulphur mining activity on the island, which killed 10 miners in 1914 when parts of the crater wall collapsed.
Up until 9 December 2019, the island was frequented by tourists, but on that day a large eruption occurred at around 14:11, while visitors were on the island. This resulted in the deaths of 22 people. 25 others were injured, many of which had severe burns from hot gases and ash.
White Island has been closed to tourists ever since and can only be viewed from a distance by boat or from the air.
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