Lava flow at Stromboli volcano (archive photo)

Stromboli volcano erupted today with a new lava flow.(27 Feb. 2006), as we had forecasted in July.

Seismic activity and strombolian activity at Tungurahua has been increasing since the evening of 23 February, 2007. Ash fall has been reported in the villages of Pillate, San Juan, Cotalo and Bilbao. On the evening of 25 Feb. an airline pilot reported observing an ash plume at 6.3 km altitude.

Based on pilot reports, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported continuous emissions from Ubinas during 18-20 February. Ash plumes rose to 5.5-7 km (18,000-23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted E and SW.

Based on information from JMA and satellite imagery, the Tokyo VAAC reported that an explosion from Suwanose-jima produced eruption plumes during 19-20 February. The altitude and direction of the plumes were not reported.

Data from deformation-monitoring instruments showed that during 14-20 February the lava dome at Mount St. Helens continued to grow. Seismicity continued at low levels, punctuated by M 1.5-2.5 and occasionally larger earthquakes. Inclement weather inhibited observations.

During 9-16 February, seismic activity at Soufrière Hills was slightly elevated as compared to previous weeks. The lava-dome volume was estimated at 200 million cubic meters based on recent measurements from LIDAR data. Previous measurements over-estimated the lava-dome volume due to the perceived location of the dome and the lack of data from inside the crater. The height of the dome was about 1060 m a.s.l. During 17-18 February, rockfalls and small pyroclastic flows traveled W down Gages Valley and E down Tar River Valley. Incandescence was seen from the E and N sides of the dome. Rockfalls continued on 19 and 20 February.

Activity at Shiveluch continued above background levels during 9-16 February, with over 180 volcanic earthquakes and tremor occurring daily. Based on seismic interpretation, observation, and video data, gas-and-ash plumes rose to altitudes of 5.5-6 km (18,000-19,700 ft) a.s.l. throughout the reporting period. Plumes drifted W and SW. A large thermal anomaly was visible on satellite imagery. The Tokyo VAAC reported eruption plumes to altitudes of 5.2-6.1 km (17,000-20,000 ft) a.s.l. on 15 and 19 February based on information from KEMSD, KVERT, and satellite imagery. Plumes drifted NW on 19 February. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange

Based on satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that diffuse plumes from Santa María's Santiaguito lava dome complex drifted NE on 15 February. INSIVUMEH reported that avalanches descended the SW flank to the base of Caliente Dome and explosions produced diffuse ash plumes that drifted SW on 15 February. Explosions on 19 February produced ash plumes and ashfall to areas SW. According to the Washington VAAC diffuse plumes were visible on satellite imagery.

Based on satellite imagery and pilot reports, the Tokyo VAAC reported that an ash plume from Sakura-jima reached an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. on 15 February.

Based on satellite imagery and RVO, the Darwin VAAC reported that diffuse plumes from Rabaul rose to altitudes of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted ESE.

According to the Washington VAAC, a puff with little ash content emitted from Popocatépetl was reported from the MWO and visible from the camera operated by CENEPRED on 14 February. A very diffuse plume was seen drifting to the E on satellite imagery. Base on an aerial photograph taken on 24 January, CENEPRED reported that the lava-dome dimensions have slightly increased since 24 November 2006.

Based on satellite imagery and information from Rabaul Volcano Observatory, the Darwin VAAC reported that diffuse plumes from Manam drifted WSW on 15 February.

During 14-20 February, lava from Kilauea continued to flow from lava deltas into the ocean at the East Lae'apuki, Kamokuna, and East Ka'ili'ili entries. Incandescence was intermittently visible from several breakouts on the pali and from several vents in Pu'u 'O'o's crater. On 15 February, breakout surface lava from the Campout flow produced seven lava falls over the seacliff behind the East Lae'apuki bench. Lava continued to flow over the seacliff in this area for the rest of the reporting period. Tremor at Kilauea’s summit continued at low levels.

Seismic activity at Karymsky was above background levels during 9-16 February, with 50-200 shallow earthquakes occurring daily. Minor explosions may have occurred and a thermal anomaly in the crater was detected on satellite imagery. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange

Recent visits to White Island’s Crater Lake, including one on 13 February, have confirmed a continual rise in lake temperature since August 2006 from a normal range of 48-50ºC. In January 2007, the temperature reached over 60ºC. The last temperature measurement was 74ºC, the highest ever recorded in the lake. The increased heat flow caused accelerated evaporation, and the lake level has dropped over 6 m. Steam plumes have been observed over the island. A deformation survey of the crater floor showed no significant changes from recent months.

Recent photo from the web cam on White island

The Washington VAAC reported that continuous emissions of ash from Telica were visible on a web-camera on 15 February. A resultant plume rose to an altitude of 1.5 km (5,000 ft) a.s.l. Based on satellite imagery, the plume drifted SW and a hotspot was present at the summit.

OVPDLF reported that on 18 February a small "seismic crisis" at Piton de la Fournaise began at 16:11 and lasted only a few minutes. About 20 minutes later, based on seismic interpretation, an eruption at the summit began and ended the next day at 01:55. A crack across Dolomieu crater was seen during an aerial observation on 18 February.

NGEOMINAS reported increased seismic activity and two explosions from Nevado del Huila on 19 February. An ash plume rose to an altitude of approximately 6 km (19,700 ft) a.s.l. During aerial observations on 20 February, ash deposits were seen on the W sector of a summit glacier and dispersed to the NW. Fumarolic plumes originating from several points along a fissure rose to 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. Small mudflows from a glacier traveled down a gorge. Based on news reports, small avalanches prompted officials to order evacuations from towns bordering rivers.

During aerial observations on 20 February, ash deposits were seen on the W sector of a summit glacier and dispersed to the NW. Fumarolic plumes originating from several points along a fissure rose to 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. Small mudflows from a glacier traveled down a gorge. Based on news reports, small avalanches prompted officials to order evacuations from towns bordering rivers.

Glow from nearby (but hidden) lava pooling somewhere beneath the collapse pit in Lengai's crater (taken on evening of 31 Jan 07).

During our latest expedition to the active crater of Lengai volcano from early 31 Jan - 2 February 2007, no eruption of natrocarbonatite lava occured from the summit vents. According to local Maassai guides, the central area of the crater with the large collapse pit near the tall hornito T49b had not seen significant changes since last summer. 
From an open vent in the NE corner at the bottom of the pit at the base of the hornito, loud washing-machine like sounds of boiling lava was audible all the time. A large pool of lava must be found somewhere at very shallow depths in some caverns beneath that area. This assumption is confirmed by the glow of lava that was clearly visible one night from a second, smaller vent located about 30 m south of the large vent in the base of the collapse pit. One guide confirmed he had seen spattering of lava from this vent some two weeks earlier.

The first eruption of Piton de la Fournaise volcano on Feb. 18 lasted only 9 hours, making it one of the shortest in its recorded history (following one of its longest ones as well...).
The observatory reports that the strong inflation of the summit area persists, suggesting that activity could resume anytime in the near future.

INGEOMINAS and local newspapers report the awakening of Nevado del Huila volcano, a massive stratovolcano with an ice cap that has been dormant for 400 years.

Piton de la Fournaise volcano started to erupt yesterday (18 Feb.07) at 16h38 local time. The eruption occurs along a fracture cutting Dolomieu crater in E-W direction and extending until the outer rim at 2400 m elevation, where 3 weekly alimented lava flows were observed. The main activity takes place inside the crater where low lava fountains emit large quantities of lava that have already covered about one third of the shallow crater floor.
This eruption is Fournaise's first one in 2007 and comes just about 6 weeks after its last eruption. The activity had been preceded by increased seismicity over the past days and intense tremor started just about 25 minutes before the onset, marking the final phase of fracturing of the ground by the rising magma.

Kamchatka's Klyuchevskoi volcano started erupting Thursday Feb. 16. KVERT reports increased seismicity and visible strong strombolian / vulcanian activity, producing jets of incandescent material to 300 m above the crater and ash plumes to an altitude of 5-6 km.

During 7-13 February, visual observations of Tungurahua were limited due to inclement weather. During 12-13 February, seismicity increased and fumarolic activity was observed from the N and NE flanks. On 13 February, a plume with moderate ash content rose to an altitude of 7 km (23,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NW.

Based on information from JMA and satellite imagery, the Tokyo VAAC reported that an explosion from Suwanose-jima produced an eruption plume during 7 February. The altitude and direction of the plume were not reported.

During 7-13 February, growth of the Soufrière Hills lava dome continued on the W side. A small lobe was observed on 7 February growing to the SW. On 8 February, three pyroclastic flows traveled a maximum distance of a few kilometers E down the Tar River Valley. At least one of the pyroclastic flows was the result of a small collapse from the S or SW part of the dome. Small pyroclastic flows traveled NW down Tyres Ghaut on 9 February and down the northern flanks onto Farrell's Plain on 12 and 13 February. Based on satellite imagery, information from MVO, and pilot reports, the Washington VAAC reported that ash-and-gas and steam plumes drifted predominantly NW during 10-13 February. Plumes reached a maximum altitude of 2.7 km (9,000 ft) a.s.l. on 13 February.

Activity at Shiveluch continued above background levels during 2-9 February, with over 200 shallow earthquakes occurring daily. Based on seismic interpretation, observation, and video data, gas-and-ash plumes rose 4.0-5.5 km (13,100-18,000 ft) a.s.l. throughout the reporting period. Plumes drifted NE and NW. A large thermal anomaly was visible on satellite imagery. The Tokyo VAAC reported ash plumes to an altitude of 5.2-5.5 km (17,000-18,000 ft) a.s.l. on 10 and 13 February that were visible on satellite imagery. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange

Based on a news report, eruption plumes from Semeru drifted E on 10 and 11 February. Ashfall was reported from areas including the town of Lumajang, about 35 km E.

Based on satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that diffuse plumes from Santa María's Santiaguito lava dome complex drifted SW and S in a fan shape on 8 February. A hot spot was detected on satellite imagery.

Based on information from Guayaquil MWO, IG, pilot reports, and satellite imagery, the Washington VAAC reported that eruptions from Sangay during 6-10 and 13 February produced ash plumes that drifted SW, NW, N, and W. Plumes reached altitudes of 9 km (30,000 ft) a.s.l. on 6 February and 6.1 km (20,000 ft) a.s.l. on 9 February. A hotspot was seen on satellite imagery at the summit during 7-9 and 13 February.

Based on information from Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the Tokyo VAAC reported an explosion from Sakura-jima on 10 February. The altitude and direction of a resultant plume were not reported. On 13 February, an explosion produced a plume that rose to an altitude of 2.1 km (7,000 ft) a.s.l.

During 7-13 February, lava from Kilauea continued to flow from lava deltas into the ocean at the East Lae'apuki, Kamokuna, and East Ka'ili'ili entries. Incandescence was seen from the Campout and PKK flows on the pali and from several vents in Pu'u 'O'o's crater. Tremor near Pu'u 'O'o continued at low levels.

Seismic activity at Karymsky was above background levels during 2-9 February, with 80-400 shallow earthquakes occurring daily. Ash plumes may have reached altitudes of 4 km (13,000 ft) a.s.l. during the reporting period. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange.

Based on satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that an ash plume from Barren Island reached an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SW on 8 February.

INETER reported that explosions in the crater of Concepción produced ash-and-gas plumes that traveled down the WSW flanks on 9 February. Explosions continued on 10 February and produced minor ash-and-gas plumes. No seismicity was registered.

Based on pilot reports, the Buenos Aires VAAC reported continuous emissions from Ubinas on 28 January. Ash plumes rose to 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE.

During 24-30 January, visual observations of Tungurahua were limited due to inclement weather. On 26 January, lahars affected the Pampas sector and blocked the Baños - Penipe highway until the next day. Lahars were also reported to the W in Bilbao, NNW in Mandur, and NW in la Hacienda. Small lahars to the W were reported on 28 January and a steam plume was visible on 29 January.

CVGHM lowered the Alert Level at Talang to 2 (on a scale of 1-4) on 27 January due to a reduction in seismic activity since 23 November 2006 to 24 January 2007. Gas plumes were present from the South Crater and the Main Crater.

Based on information from JMA, the Tokyo VAAC reported an eruption plume from Suwanose-jima on 28 January. The altitude and direction of the plume were not reported.

Data from deformation-monitoring instruments showed that during 24-30 January, a spine on the lava dome at Mount St. Helens continued to grow. Seismicity continued at low levels, punctuated by M 1.5-2.5 and occasionally larger earthquakes.

During 24-30 January, measurable activity at Soufrière Hills remained low. Based on satellite imagery, information from MVO, and a pilot report, the Washington VAAC reported that ash plumes were visible during 26-27 January. The plumes were likely a result of rockfall activity. On 28 January, a large pyroclastic flow traveled down the Tar River Valley and reached the sea.

Activity at Shiveluch continued above background levels during 19-26 January, with over 120 shallow earthquakes occurring daily. Based on seismic interpretation and observation and video data, gas-and-ash plumes rose to 5.5 km (18,000 ft) a.s.l. and avalanches occurred throughout the reporting period. Plumes drifted W and NW. Fumarolic activity from the SW flank was noted on 25 January. A large thermal anomaly was visible on satellite imagery. Based on satellite imagery, the Tokyo VAAC reported that ash plumes rose to an altitude of 4.6 km (15,000 ft) a.s.l. on 28 and 29 January and drifted SE.

Based on a pilot report and information from INSIVUMEH, the Washington VAAC reported that a diffuse plume from Santa María's Santiaguito lava-dome complex reached an altitude of 4.3 km (14,000 ft) a.s.l. on 24 January. A diffuse plume drifted SW on 30 January. INSIVUMEH reported that explosions produced minor ashfall on 25, 26, and 29 January. Block-and-ash avalanches descended the SW flank of Caliente Dome on 25 and 29 January.

Based on information from Guayaquil MWO, the Washington VAAC reported that an eruption from Sangay on 28 January produced an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 6.4 km (21,000 ft) a.s.l.

RVO reported that during 18-26 January, seismic activity at Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone continued at low levels. On 24 and 27-30 January, emissions of steam and a small amount of ash produced plumes that rose to a maximum altitude of 2.7 km (8,900 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N, NE, and E. Roaring noises were occasionally audible. Based on satellite imagery and information from RVO, the Darwin VAAC reported that a small plume was visible on 30 January and drifted NE.

RVO reported that during 18-26 January, seismic activity at Rabaul caldera's Tavurvur cone continued at low levels. On 24 and 27-30 January, emissions of steam and a small amount of ash produced plumes that rose to a maximum altitude of 2.7 km (8,900 ft) a.s.l. and drifted N, NE, and E. Roaring noises were occasionally audible. Based on satellite imagery and information from RVO, the Darwin VAAC reported that a small plume was visible on 30 January and drifted NE.

During 16-26 January, eruptive activity at Langila's Crater 2 consisted of continuous emissions of gray ash plumes that rose to altitudes of 2.3 km (7,600 ft) a.s.l. and drifted SE and NE. Fine ash fell on the flanks. Occasional roaring noises were heard accompanying emissions. Incandescence was observed at the summit.

Satellite Images by NASA Earth Observer

During 24-30 January, lava from Kilauea continued to flow from lava deltas into the ocean at the East Lae'apuki, Kamokuna, and East Ka'ili'ili entries. Breakout lava from the Campout flow advanced about 1.6 km per hour on 24 January. The USGS field crew noticed several small breakouts of lava from the Campout flow at the base of the pali that flowed E and burned trees near the long-abandoned Royal Gardens subdivision. Tremor near Pu`u `O`o increased to a moderate level.

Seismic activity at Karymsky was above background levels during 19-26 January, with 100-250 shallow earthquakes occurring daily. Ash plumes may have reached altitudes of 3.5 km (11,500 ft) a.s.l. during 7-8 January. A thermal anomaly in the crater was detected during the reporting period. The Level of Concern Color Code remained at Orange.

Based on a pilot report and information from INSIVUMEH, the Washington VAAC reported that a diffuse plume from Fuego reached an altitude of 4 km (13,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted NE. A hotspot over the crater was visible on satellite imagery. INSIVUMEH reported that approximately during 21-29 January, incandescent material was propelled up to 100 m above the summit and incandescent blocks rolled about 500 m S and SW down the flanks. During 26 and 29 January, incandescent blocks broke away from lava-flow fronts and rolled S towards the source of the Ceniza River.

PHIVOLCS reported that an explosion from the summit of Bulusan on 24 January lasted about 10 minutes based on seismic interpretation. Observation was inhibited due to cloud cover. Ashfall was reported from areas SW.