The vent is below sea level but shielded from the sea by high crater walls. Although it is surrounded by seawater, the vent is chemically sealed from it. This sealed zone traps an acid hot water system, which is derived from rain water. The island is also very accesible which makes it internationally important for scientists and volcanologists to study. The volcanic structure the island stands on is thought to be two million years old, with the volcano itself between 100,000 and 200,000 years old.
White Island is one of the most interesting volcanoes in the world.
What you see above water is only one third of the islands size so the majority of White Island is underwater. The island volcano is constantly steaming, so is very much a living volcano. White Island is the perfect example of an active volcano. It is spectacular.