MetService monitor volcanic eruption in Chile

The Calbuco volcano erupts near Puerto Varas, Chile. Photo / AP

MetService are closely following the eruption of the Calbuco volcano in Chile this morning.

MetService operates the Wellington Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC), which is part of a group of nine global centres, endorsed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

In New Zealand, the Volcanic Ash Advisory process involves interaction between aircraft operators, Airways Corporation, the Civil Aviation Authority and MetService, with important volcanic information input from volcanologists.

MetService's Wellington VAAC produces Volcanic Ash Advisories (VAA) and Volcanic Ash Graphics (VAG) using ash trajectory models, and other supporting information, including reports of observed ash.

These forecasts of airborne ash are designed specifically for the aviation industry, to enable safe operation of all flights into and within New Zealand's air space.

MetService said while it was too early in the life of this eruption to activate its monitoring process, which would include increasing the team of aviation forecasters on duty round the clock, meteorologists are in touch with colleagues at fellow Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres and is closely following the eruption's progress.